The Chaise Lounge Podcast: Recent Episodes
iMay Media
Welcome once again to the Chaise Lounge Podcast. It has been a great honor to speak to so many talented and passionate designers over the course of the show. To close out our 30th Season, Nick May sits down with interior designer and marketing specialist Pamela Durkin.
Pam's design career began with the usual wide variety of clients and projects. Over the years, her favorite types of projects became increasingly more common. Not wanting to let go of this momentum, Pam set out to study marketing strategies in the world of design. She found that many designers do not pay enough attention to their own marketing; some do not take full advantage of digital tools, and others struggle to decline unfulfilling projects. Today, with 30 years of design experience, Pamela assists other designers in elevating their business through effective marketing tactics. It's not just about making more money. It's about improving your clientele and making your job more blissful.
You can check out Pamela's portfolio and marketing services on her website, pamela-durkin.com. Also, be sure to follow her on instagram @pameladurkin
We all talk about how design is a luxury service, and how we're going to take great care of our clients. But how do you show somebody that before you've been hired? How do you say 'I'm going to take great care of you'?
Pamela Durkin
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Hello! Welcome once again to the Chaise Lounge! This week, Nick May sits down with Alex Alonso, a designer and proud leader of a studio in Miami, Florida!
Throughout his life, Alex has experimented with many different interests. He initially pursued engineering, then switched to Spanish Literature. Starting from his senior year, Alex worked and developed in the entertainment industry. One of his friends invited him to start a small studio together, a venture that wouldn't last long. Feeling that their dynamic could not work with them apart, Alex closed that studio and started his own from scratch. He worked heavily on establishing the identity of his solo studio, building up a strong portfolio, and refining his branding.
Alex emphasizes that Mr. Alex Tate is not a firm - cold, impersonal, even intimidating - but a studio; an active working and learning environment. He wants to take the client on a journey to learn and explore together, and believes in being knowledgeable rather than putting up an image. For this reason, Alex chose not to name the studio after himself. He acknowledges that he works with a team, and that they are an important part of the experience.
Be sure to check out Mr. Alex Tate's website mralextate.com, and follow the team on Instagram @mralextate
I took a whole year... to make sure that when I launched, I knew exactly how I would feel more comfortable engaging with clients and contractors. It was a year of learning, putting my head down the path of not just designing beautiful things, but [also] business. Because at the end of the day, it's a business.
Alex Alonso
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Upcoming Markets High Point Market – October 22 - 26, 2022
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Welcome once again to the Chaise Lounge Podcast! This week, Nick May sits down with Julien Legeard, a residential and hospitality designer with a powerhouse team in Miami.
Julien was born and raised in France. He studied business in university to extend his range of possibilities for a successful career. His interest in the field diminished, but he discovered a passion for craftsmanship, a fascination with people who strive to be exceptional, and an interest in architecture and design. Much to our surprise, Julien did not receive formal education in architecture or design. He educated himself working for several companies in high-end residential projects, learning the ins and outs of structural design from raw experience. After years of developing skills, Julien started his own firm, Legeard Studio, and works in residential and hospitality.
Legeard Studio's team of talented designers from all over the world provide a richness to the experience for clients. To Julien, the most exciting thing of the job is understanding a client's vision and making it a reality. He is proud and thankful of his team for their accomplishments, and hopes to take the public on a journey to discover beauty.
You can find Legeard Studio's work on their site, legeardstudio.com, and follow Julien on Instagram @legeardstudio
The success of a good design-architectural studio is to have every-day people that are happy to work for you. And once you have that, it's easier to do those difficult projects
Julien Legeard
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Chaise Lounge Updates Coast to Coast Design is back baby! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
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Upcoming Markets High Point Market – October 22-26, 2022
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Welcome back to the Chaise Lounge Podcast! This week, Nick May chats with a designer, but not an interior designer. Fernando Alvarez and his family own an upholstery business that has existed since the 1960's: Le Jeune Upholstery.
Fernando's parents, Consuelo and Osmundo immigrated to Miami from Cuba. They opened a furniture upholstery business, working from sunrise to sunset for several years. As the business grew, they opened a second location, followed by a third one a decade later. Today, Le Jeune is operated by Fernando and his brothers Alex and Gerry. Each brother takes charge of a separate division of the company - sales, marketing, and design - and incorporates order and passion, following the steps of Consuelo and Osmundo.
Fernando puts his engineering experience to use when designing furniture. He is very technical when approaching his craft. He draws sketches of the furniture and patterns, takes scale and proportions into consideration, asks his clients about colors, where the piece will be placed in their home - and that's before he actually builds the piece. Everything the brothers do is done in-house, hand-made from start to finish. From chairs to sofas to footrests, Le Jeune exemplifies the art and science of designing and making furniture.
Check out Fernando's work on their website lejeuneupholstery.com, and be sure to follow them on Instagram @le_jeune_upholstery
[Our parents'] work ethic is the most important thing that was instilled in us. Work hard, be serious.. the service part is very big. We're there for the customer.
Fernando Alvarez
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Upcoming Markets High Point Market – October 22 – 26, 2022
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Welcome! In this week's Chaise Lounge, Nick May sits down with a returning guest: interior designer Kate Lester!
In her previous appearance, Kate walked us through her story of how she worked to become an interior designer and business woman. A few years have passed since then, and despite the odds, she has not slowed down one bit. Covid caused many of her employees to leave; staff turnover remained unbearably high for a while. Kate picked herself up by the bootstraps and pushed on. Once the dust settled, she rebuilt her team and established procedures to put the business back on track. Kate Lester Interiors now has, not one, but two retail locations. She also opened an online shop, and even an online education platform called Home Skool! In case that is not enough, Kate will make her first visit to Market, where she will present the world with an exciting announcement!
Do not miss out! Be sure to follow Kate on Instagram @klinteriors, and check out her stunning portfolio on her website katelesterinteriors.com
It was really eye-opening for me to remember [to have] procedures and roles and handbooks... so that when you have to re-staff in a hurry, you have some outlines and guides in place.
Kate Lester
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Chaise Lounge Updates Coast to Coast Design is back baby! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
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Upcoming Markets High Point Market – October 22 – 26, 2022
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Hello, and welcome to the Chaise Lounge! Today we have a double-feature episode for your. This week Nick May sits down with Todd Raymond, a young residential designer on the rise. Furthermore, Nick catches up with our dear friend Gail Doby.
Todd's interest in design began in his childhood, when his grandmother gifted him an AD magazine. Growing up, he faced many obstacles that prevented him from studying architecture, as well as other endeavors that caught his interest. After many years of distractions, Todd returned to college go pursue a career in architecture. He went on to work on several design firms and participate in ambitious projects. This experience gave him the confidence to open his own firm, Studio Todd Raymond.
Todd is big on networking to market himself. He will seize any opportunity to form a connection that can lead to a successful path. One of his focus points is the customer experience, as great service allows for loyal clients. To help in making that experience flow, Todd makes sure to be transparent about his prices and the client's budget; he is not afraid of discussing the money side of business. As he says, even the multi-billionaire customer has an amount they're willing to spend.
Be sure to follow Todd on Instagram @studiotoddraymond, and check his developing portfolio at studiotoddraymond.com
Gail Doby, CEO of Gail Doby Coaching & Consulting, returns with a call-to-action. Some of the biggest hurdles for designers, especially after Covid, are setting fees, salaries, and competing for talent. To address these issues, Gail invites you to participate in her 2022 Interior Designers Survey on Fees, Salaries and Competing for Talent.
We want people to understand us aesthetically, [and] recognize and recommend us because we are hospitality-driven firm. We want to make sure that the client experience is really top-notch.
Todd Raymond
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Chaise Lounge Updates Coast to Coast Design is back baby! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
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Upcoming Markets High Point Market – October 22 – 26, 2022
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Welcome back to the Chaise Lounge! This week, Nick May chats with Elizabeth Gill from Elizabeth Gill Interiors in New York!
Elizabeth attended George Washington University to study International Business, then later acquired a Master's Degree in Interior Design and Architecture. After graduating, she worked at a traditional design firm in DC, where she learned a few aspects of the trade that seldom are taught in school. A few more years passed before Elizabeth took a risk and started her own company in 2018.
One of Elizabeth's inspirations to keep going is people. She always yearned to meet new people every day, form meaningful connections with strangers, and seeks out memorable experiences with others. She is a goal-oriented visionary, always thinking big-picture. Elizabeth determines her success by the variety of markets she gets to work in, and all the people that accompany in her journey.
Connect with Elizabeth by following her on Instagram @fromtherugup, and check out her work on her website www.elizabethgillinteriors.com
You have to have a village of support, and not be too proud or afraid to ask for help.
Elizabeth Gill
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Chaise Lounge Updates Coast to Coast Design is back baby! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
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Upcoming Markets High Point Market – October 22 - 26, 2022
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Welcome back to the Chaise Lounge! This week, Nick May sits down with Anna Smith, owner of Anna Bode located right here in Denver Colorado!
Anna grew up in New Hampshire. She found an interest in historic preservation, although science and chemistry were not her strong suits. She then moved to studying history of decorative arts in London, focusing on historic homes and the history of interior design. Eventually she worked for an interior design studio in New York, and later moved Colorado to open her own.
Because of her background in historic preservation, Anna often works on older homes, specifically residential renovations; the idea of restoring a piece of architecture to its former glory is exciting to her. She also highlights how her team puts a strong emphasis on sustainability and reducing material waste, hoping to influence the industry in a significant way. Running a design business is not just about being a good designer. Of course there's the business side of thing, and Anna shares how she learned to manage her studio through a variety of methods. Some of them include listening to podcasts and taking notes, networking with creatives, and even starting a mastermind group to explore ideas with other designers.
If you'd like to learn more about Anna, be sure to follow her on Instagram @annabode and check out her website annabode.com!
In terms of what success looks like, my goal with Anna Bode - since we've transitioned into this focus on sustainability - is to feel like we're operating in a different way than design has in the past, and that we're making an influence on the industry.
Anna Smith
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Chaise Lounge Updates Coast to Coast Design is back baby! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
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Upcoming Markets High Point Market – April 2 – 6, 2022
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Welcome! In this week's Chaise Lounge, Nick May sits down with Nicole Salceda, interior designer and owner of Eye For Pretty in Danville, California!
Nicole attended St. Mary's to earn a teaching degree. She later got married and the couple purchased a house, which she would decorate and re-decorate. Visitors would ask her if she was an interior designer. She played around with the thought and did design work for friends and family while teaching part-time. After becoming popular on Instagram, Nicole decided to drop her teaching career and officially become an interior designer. She opened her studio Eye For Pretty on the bay area of Danville, and her team is comprised of hard-working moms.
Nick and Nicole discuss the business and operations side of running a design firm - or any kind of business. They go into hiring the right people, being flexible with our employees, and building a strong team. Nicole reminds us to keep ourselves in check; establish what kind of business we want to have and who we want to work with. We need the courage to decline projects we can't tackle, even if they are our dream projects. Additionally, she lets us know that design does not have to be ultra-formal, and that it's okay to add some personality for flavor.
You can connect with Nicole through her Instagram @eyeforpretty and her website www.eyeforpretty.com. You can also check out her retail store at eyeforprettyathome.com. If you want to have a chuckle, check out @eye4petty, a parody account ran by Nicole's husband!
I know at this point in my career that hiring a strong team is really the secret to a lot of my success.
Nicole Salceda
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Chaise Lounge Updates Coast to Coast Design is back baby! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
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Upcoming Markets High Point Market – April 2 – 6, 2022
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Welcome back to the Chaise Lounge podcast! It is now 2022 and to start the new year motivated, Nick May sits down with global Digital Director at Architectural Digest David Kaufman!David has been featured in the show a few times before. For those who missed out, he worked as editor for the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, New York Post, and other giants in the world of journalism. As his current title suggests, he is in charge of translating AD's print content to digital platforms.Aside from reminding us about the new AD100 list, David introduces us to Architectural Digest's first ever Works Of Wonder (WOW) List, which features a curated selection by their international editors of the best projects in the world. Furthermore, AD's editors are also working to slowly make the AD experience more visual and less verbal, removing the need for the extra translation work and incorporate the universal language of images and icons.If you’d like to learn more about David, you can follow him on Instagram @kaufmandavidnyc
This year... there's a company-wide effort for all of the brands with international presences to try to integrate global content and global operations.
David Kaufman
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Chaise Lounge Updates Coast to Coast Design is back baby! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
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Resources See what our sponsors can do for you. Upcoming Markets High Point Market – April 2 – 6, 2022
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Welcome! In this week's Chaise Lounge, Nick May chats with fellow Colorado designers, Joe McGuire and Matthew Tenzin, principal designers of Joe McGuire Design in Boulder and Aspen.
Joe and Matt enjoyed rearranging furniture and decorating their rooms at an early age. Joe studied Art History and started his design career in New York right out of college. Matt on the other hand earned a degree in philosophy and became a Buddhist monk. He later met Joe - who was an already-established designer - and pursued design himself to be part of the journey.
Joe McGuire Design puts a strong emphasis on the importance of space. They make it clear that interior design is not just a job. It's an experience; a deep exploration of a person's spirituality and their connection to a space and its contents. Joe and Matt take everything into consideration to ensure that their work plays into a client's well-being and enhances serenity.
Check out Joe and Matt's portfolio on their website joemcguiredesign.com, and be sure to follow them on Instagram @joemcguiredesign!
We practice what we call "holistic design." It's a wellness-focused approach to design that understands wellness in a deeper and wider way than is typically thought of... There's an energetic component to true health and well-being... the energetics of a space are key.
Matt Tenzin
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Chaise Lounge Updates Coast to Coast Design is back baby! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
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Upcoming Markets High Point Market – April 2 – 6, 2022
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Welcome once again to the Chaise Lounge! This week, Nick May invited Heather Weisz and Lisa Hynes, dynamic duo and founders of HW Interiors in Wellington, Florida!
Heather grew up in New York, and moved to Florida when she was 13. While attending the Art Institute of Miami, she married and bought a house in Miami to raise her first child. Lisa, an English major, grew up in Connecticut and eventually moved to Florida as well. Both ladies met while playing tennis and instantly became best friends. Lisa approached Heather for help with furnishing a custom home she was building. They enjoyed working together and decided to make it official by acquiring an office. Heather with her creative talents, and Lisa with her organizational skills, founded their own firm, HW Interiors.
Heather and Lisa share their experiences and challenges building their company as single moms. They managed to establish a balance between work and home life that their children could work with. This no-nonsense attitude carried over to HW Interiors, where they set clear boundaries by educating their clients about realistic expectations. Breaking the news to a client about a low bid to a high price is tough, but it's a necessary step for any designer to take.
Check out HW Interior's elegant work on their website www.hwinteriors.net, and be sure to follow them on Instagram @hw.interiors!
Letting go of being home all the time with the kids or being that controlling presence at home... taking a step back from that and giving control to other people was hard for me... and also letting go of my own expectations of myself.
Lisa Hynes
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Chaise Lounge Updates Coast to Coast Design is back baby! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
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Upcoming Markets High Point Market – April 2 – 6, 2022
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Welcome back for a new season of The Chaise Lounge Lounge Podcast! To kick things off, Nick May goes local and invites Andrea Schumacher, a high-end residential designer based in Denver, CO.
Andrea and her family traveled around the world since she was kid. Her childhood in Nigeria greatly inspired her design work today, as evidenced by the vivid and exotic colors of her projects. Having grown all over the place, even going to a different high school every year, she developed an ability to make friends and better understand people. All these experiences influenced how Andrea built her company and team. She focuses on people, culture, and relationships, both for her clients and her team.
Things are looking quite exciting for Andrea Schumacher Interiors. This year, the team grew from 7 designers to 17. They are working on developing product lines of wall covering and textiles. What's more, Andrea recently wrote a book; It's called Vibrant Interiors: Living Large at Home and it features some of her best works, many of which have not been published before!
Be sure to check out Andrea and team's work on their website, www.andreaschumacherinteriors.com, and follow them on Instagram @andreaschumacherinteriors!
I look at longevity... if on your resume you jump around a lot to different jobs, it's not for us... It's so much better to find somebody that you really want, and then train them up and keep them and do whatever it is you can to make them happy.
Andrea Schumacher
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Chaise Lounge Updates Coast to Coast Design is back baby! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
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Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets High Point Market – April 2 - 6, 2022
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
We have reached the end of Season 29 of The Chaise Lounge! This week, Nick May chats with Chad Esslinger in Downers Grove, Illinois!
Chad grew up in Jacksonville, Illinois. As a kid he was into creating things with LEGOs and drawing houses and floor plans. He studied Industrial Design at the University of Illinois and moved to Chicago after graduating. He went through a few décor jobs over the years, even one where he got to travel. The corporate life became unappealing after a while, however. With enough experience under his belt, Chad set out to start his own business, Chad Esslinger Design, in 2010.
Chad is a one-man team. He refers to himself as an "imperfect perfectionist," and recognizes his bad habit of doing too much on his own instead of sharing responsibilities. Despite that, his past experience aided him in establishing systems and processes early on to make the experience smoother for himself and his clients. He also knows to be picky when choosing his clients, enabling a flow of enjoyable projects and serious customers. Most of his projects are kitchen and bathroom renovations, and decorating and furnishing. In the future, he would like to create his own line of furniture and design a restaurant from the ground up.
Go to www.chadesslingerdesign.com to check out Chad's portfolio, and follow him on Instagram @chadesslingerdesign
When people call me it's because they have done a little bit of homework on me... They're not looking to find the lowest-priced designer or the designer that can start next week... I wanna be the right designer for them, and I want them to be the right client for me.
Chad Esslinger
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Upcoming Markets High Point Market – October 16 – 20, 2021
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Welcome to The Chaise Lounge! This week, Nick May sits down with Charu Gandhi of Elicyon in Kensington, United Kingdom!Charu studied at the Architectural Association in the United Kingdom and worked in several architectural firms. After getting involved with interior designers, she loved the idea of combining the structure of architecture and the creativity of interior design. In 2014 Charu founded her own studio Elicyon, where she and her team blend architecture and interior design to create beautiful projects all around the world.To Charu, architecture is not a one-and-done deal, it's a lifelong apprenticeship. Even with all her experience, she is excited and open to learn something new every day. She encourages her interior designers to become involved in the architectural elements of their projects and vice-versa. Joining her team means going through a rigorous hiring process, and Charu is not at all afraid to bring in people she considers more skilled than herself. Elicyon strives to create a place of bliss for their clients. Or, as Charu puts it, "bringing to life what [clients] want out of their home."Be sure to follow Elicyon on Instagram @elicyon, and check out their website www.elicyon.com
I'm not at all shy to hire people who are better than me at lots of things... who shine brighter than me... I'm very proud of that, I feel proud that I spotted them.
Charu Gandhi
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Chaise Lounge Updates Coast to Coast Design is back baby! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
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Resources See what our sponsors can do for you. Upcoming Markets High Point Market – October 16 – 20, 2021
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Welcome back to The Chaise Lounge! This week, Nick chats with Brigitte Coleman, design director at Pembrooke & Ives in New York City.Brigitte grew up in California, and always knew she wanted to move to New York. She also knew she wanted to be an architect, getting her inspiration from Julia Morgan, the architect behind Hearst Castle. After graduating from Sci Arc in Los Angeles, she moved to New York and worked in hospitality for ICRAVE and Rockwell. Currently she is a design director at Pembrooke & Ives.Brigitte's situation caught us by surprise. She is not owner of a design firm or company, and is not an independent designer. Rather, she leads her own team in one of 6 studios within a larger firm specializing in interior architecture. She gets to pick her team members, and she is very selective, as teambuilding is crucial to her.The idea of working under a large firm may turn most designers away at first, but there are advantages that will be appealing to others. Brigitte focuses only on the design work. Things like accounting, working with clients, all that is handled by the company. So if you want to be a designer but don't like to deal with clients or invoices, you may want to consider an opportunity like this!
I'm very specific on who I hire. Because us - design directors - run our teams differently, we have different management styles, different expectations, so I prefer to handle hiring myself.
Brigitte Coleman
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Chaise Lounge Updates Coast to Coast Design is back baby! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
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Resources See what our sponsors can do for you. Upcoming Markets High Point Market – October 16 – 20, 2021
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
This week in The Chaise Lounge, Nick May sits down with interior designers Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsay, owners of their own company, Etch Interior Design, in Austin, TX.
Jessica and Stephanie went to design school in Texas and California respectively. Interestingly enough they both initially thought of studying business before becoming designers. After graduating, Steph and her husband moved to Austin where she met Jessica at a design firm, and became the best of friends. Some time later, they left the firm and decided to team up.
The duo's work structure revolves around autonomy; they are very selective when hiring new team members and trust their team to work independently. They also established systems and processes early on to ensure efficiency and provide a good experience to customers. A big contributor to their success - something they encourage other designers to do at any point of their careers - was hiring a business coach. Jessica and Stephanie went from being involved in every single project, to being able to take time off without worrying about work. Etch Interior Design has been in business for 6 years, and soon they will open a second location in Utah.
Be sure to follow Jessica and Stephanie on Instagram @etchdesigngroup and check out their business website www.etchinteriordesign.com
We have a lot of things that we've learned over the years... we're always asking for feedback… we have end-of-project reviews so that we can learn from every project and make each new experience a better one.
Stephanie Lindsey
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In this week's episode of The Chaise Lounge, Nick May chats with interior designer Scott Sanders from New York City.Scott always knew he wanted to do design, but living in a small town in Ohio he couldn't quite figure out how to do it. His father and grandfather were builders and owned a real-estate company, and Scott was always fascinated by the houses they built. They embraced and cultivated this interest, and Scott eventually went to Parsons School of Design in New York, later landing a job at Ralph Lauren.After a successful two year run, he decided that he wanted to get his own name out there and made plans to exit Ralph Lauren. Not only did they give Scott their blessing, but also encouraged Scott's accounts to go with him. Scott Sanders opened in New York City in the year 2000. He has designed residences in New Jersey, Boston, Florida, California, and many other places across the country. He recently opened a second location in Palm Beach. So if you found yourself pointing out mistakes on floor plans, and critiquing your grandma's decorator at the tender age of 10 - maybe you should forget about doctoring and lawyering, and just chase that design bliss!Be sure to check out Scott's work at his website scottsandersllc.com and follow him on Instagram @scottsandersllc!
I'm always excited about something new and special, If it's something really special, I will go anywhere because that's what drives creativity.
Scott Sanders
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In this week's Chaise Lounge, Nick May chats with David Kaufman, global Digital Director at Architectural Digest!
David has quite the resumé, having worked as an editor for the New York Times, Quartz, New York Post, The Wall Street Journal, and many more. He went into Architectural Digest with an understanding of the real estate world. He has a particular fascination with celebrity culture and gossip, as well as recent interior design trends like personal gardens.
David shares his thoughts on the future of interior design and real estate in a post-Covid world. There is plenty of uncertainty as things continue to transition to the "new normal". Millions of people were forced to work and/or study from home, and many took the opportunity to create a study room, or a Zoom office. Some created extra bedrooms and even gyms.
With everyone going back to their workplace, will they keep those new rooms or will they revert? Those who bought an extra house to escape the chains of the quarantine, will they sell it? As for interior designers and real estate agents, will their backlog correct itself or will it become even more chaotic? One thing's for sure: the real estate market went through a boom in the aftermath of COVID.
If you'd like to learn more about David, you can contact him at david_kaufman@condenast.com or follow him on Instagram @kaufmandavidnyc
This is like, the party's last hurrah. Folks are still... trying to accept the fact that, whatever we've gone through over the last year and a half is basically over, and we're gonna have to get back to our lives.
David Kaufman
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This week in The Chaise Lounge, Nick May interviews interior designers Janessa and Stephen Gertz, owners of Milieu Interior Design in Chicago, IL.
Janessa graduated from Harrington Institute of Interior Design, while Stephen graduated from Illinois Institute of Art. By the time the couple met in 2014, they had already each started their own business. After getting engaged, Stephen convinced Janessa to merge their businesses into a single company.
The Gertz's work together in every project. Janessa is stronger in the finances and Stephen brings in his experience as an electrician. The nature of their partnership offers a comfortable experience for their customers (often other married couples), and makes it so that everybody involved feels like their input is valued. This, along with raising a child, does introduce the challenge of making time and finding qualified candidates to build their team.
Many of their recent projects include home-offices and children's bedrooms, as more and more people find themselves working and studying from home. This endeavor was even featured on Architectural Digest Pro!
If you'd like to learn more about Janessa and Stephen Gertz, check out their website www.milieu-interiordesign.com and follow them on Instagram @milieu_interiordesign
We have to be experts on everything. It's not just 'this sofa looks pretty'... You have to understand the construction aspect of it and how it's made, and why it's of quality and why it's worth the investment.
Janessa & Stephen Gertz
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Welcome! In this week's Chaise Lounge, Nick May sits down with Nike Onile, creator of Of Things Ode in Toronto, Ontario.Nike, like many guests we've featured on the show, had an artistic inclination at a young age but became an interior designer at a later part of her life. Coming from a Nigerian family, she was required to choose between a career in medicine, law, or engineering. Her parents were accepting of her interest in art but only saw it as a hobby. Nike studied bio-technology and worked in Pharma for a few years - but not without working design projects on the side for a few clients. This resulted in her getting an administrative position at Studio Munge, one of Canada's leading design firms. Despite this transition being a professional and personal risk, it was the golden opportunity for Nike to start doing something she knew she would enjoy.While at Studio Munge, Nike continued working on her side projects, now under her own brand 800 Sq. Ft. She then created The Apartment, a small space that she re-shuffled and re-decorated to tell a story about an imaginary owner. This became an incredibly popular attraction, much to Nike's surprise. This project made Nike reflect on her goals as an interior designer. She took a 2-year break to focus on developing her brand. Eventually, Of Things Ode was born, and Nike's goal is to design spaces so they reflect the personality and story of the owner.Be sure to check out Of Things Ode at www.ofthingsode.com and follow Nike Onile on Instagram @nikeonile!Headshot photo by Angie Choi.
I realized that the work I was actually doing was not just focused around design. It was a holistic experience. It was about people, it was about telling stories through space... The point of it were the people.
Nike Onile
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We hope you're prepared, because this week on The Chaise Lounge we had the honor to interview Fiona Barratt-Campbell, one of Britain's most prolific figures in the interior design industry.Fiona's success as an entrepreneur and designer can be traced back as early as her childhood. Her parents worked in retail, and instilled in her a strong work ethic - and she truly enjoyed the fast-paced nature of the retail environment. Her biggest inspiration to become an interior designer was her grandfather, Sir Lawrie Barratt, founder of Barratt Homes, one of the largest residential development companies in the United Kingdom.After completing her Art Foundation in the UK, Fiona traveled to New York where she studied interior design at Parsons School of Design. She got an internship at Victoria Hagan, was interviewed by Richard Branson's board and landed an envied position to work at Virgin hotels. Finally in 2006 she opened her own design studio: Fiona Barratt Interiors. Ever since, Fiona's stunning work can be found in many countries all over the world. She prefers working with a small team, which empowers her to also focus on side projects such as her own furniture line.Be sure to check out Fiona's furniture collection at fbc-london.com, and follow her on Instagram @fionabarrattinteriors
Interior design is a hard business because it's very personal... It's a real gift that you've been given, that somebody's put that trust in you to design their home.
Fiona Barratt-Campbell
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Hi there! We hope you are prepared because this week in the Chaise Lounge, we are joined by Jill Howard, founder of Jill Howard Design Studio.Growing up in a small town in the mountains of Virginia, Jill was not aware that one could become an interior designer. All she knew was that good grades meant becoming a doctor or a lawyer. She went to the College of William and Mary to pursue the former, only to find it was not the field for her. Later, Jill entered the world of music, which led to her studying music business (and meeting her future husband.) She purchased a house and found herself decorating it frequently. This gave her plenty of experience in business and a revelation for her new dream career.Jill entered the New York School of Interior Design. Through hard work and a strike of luck, she worked with some of the largest names in the world of interior design, including Tom Scheerer and Jesse Carrier. 10 years later, Jill and her husband moved to Charleston, where she opened her own design studio. Her business experience came in handy, as she established systems and processes early on. There was still some trial and error, but nothing that she couldn't handle. The studio is performing greatly, and Jill is working on a furniture line with a local maker. Keep an eye out for that!Check out Jill Howard's gorgeous portfolio at jillhoward.com/, and follow her on Instagram @jillhowarddesign!
Success is all about hard work, for sure. But there's always some luck at play.
Jill Howard
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Hello! Glad to see you around. This week in The Chaise Lounge, Nick chats with Rebecca Hay, owner of Rebecca Hay Designs in Toronto, Canada.Though interested in interior design and entrepreneurship at a young age, Rebecca didn't enter the field until after experimenting with other careers. Initially she wanted to be an actress and a teacher. She went to school for musical theater, though she didn't feel ready for the stage just yet. She then graduated in political science and cultural studies.Later, Rebecca traveled to Spain to teach English, but was turned off by the bureaucracy and strictness of the work. When she returned home, she couldn't decide whether to study design or pursue an acting career. While Rebecca eventually landed a few acting gigs, they didn't allow the freedom and creativity that she yearned for.Finally, she went back to college for her true love, interior design. After a few years of being a designer, Rebecca started her own podcast, Resilient by Design, which aided her in networking, collaborating with other designers, and forming friendships.Be sure to check out Rebecca's podcast Resilient by Design at rebeccahay.com/podcast, and follow her on Instagram @rebeccahaydesigns!
For me it's all about collaboration over competition... we are stronger when we help each other out. We're not each other's competition, we all offer something unique.
Rebecca Hay
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Welcome back! We are happy to have you here for the Season 29 premiere of The Chaise Lounge. And what better way to kick things off than with renowned interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins!Corey has been up to a lot for the last few years. In 2021, he presented Mouths Wide Open, a collection of drawings depicting all kinds of people doing a variety of facial expressions. His company, Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates, LLC, has been steadily growing. His team is preparing to work on exciting projects—from apartments to mansions—in many different states and even Canada!What's more, Corey has written and published Design Remix, his first coffee-table book! In it, Corey discusses his thoughts on traditional interior design and how to adapt it to modern tastes.Be sure to check out Corey's book Design Remix: A New Spin on Traditional Rooms, and follow him on Instagram @coreydamenjenkins!
What's most important for me is longevity... saying 'yes' to the right opportunities... and saying 'no' to the wrong ones.
Corey Damen Jenkins
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Welcome back to The Chaise Lounge! On our season finale, Nick sits down with two guests! First he interviews Mark Lavender from M. Lavender Interiors in Chicago, an interior design firm that focuses exclusively in residential projects.Fascinated with blueprints, Mark studied architecture in the University of Kentucky. He worked for two prestigious architecture firms, working mostly in healthcare projects. M. Lavender Interiors came about when Mark realized he enjoyed working with other designers in residential development.Mark found building hospitals an incredibly noble pursuit; he puts the utmost care and attention in every house his company works in, so that anyone's dream house can become a reality.Next up, we have Gail Doby, co-founder and CEO of Gail Doby Coaching & Consulting. Friend of the show, and always a pleasure to talk to, Gail's excited to announce the release of her new book - and of course she and Nick hang out for a little while.Be sure to visit Mark Lavender's interior design website, www.mlavenderinteriors.com, and follow M. Lavender Interiors on Instagram @mlavenderinteriors!Also, don't forget to visit Gail Doby Coaching & Consulting at www.gaildoby.com, and follow Gail on Instagram @gail.doby
I felt noble about doing healthcare... it's great! It was complicated... making sure materials and people and your experience and everything worked through... and I took that piece and started to apply that to residential.
Mark Lavender
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Greetings! In this week’s The Chaise Lounge, Nick May interviews Margarita Bravo, industrial engineer turned interior designer, with experience in finance.Born in Venezuela, Margarita has been fascinated with construction since she was a child. Watching her grandfather build things from nothing inspired her to enter the field. She worked for an oil and gas company until she moved to Denver, CO. Since she could not find a house she liked, she and her husband built their own house and found she enjoyed interior design.Today, Margarita has her own business where she can do makeovers, or make new houses for people moving to Denver. She is also starting a home décor rental business and a furniture business.Visit Margarita Bravo's website, www.margaritabravo.com, and check out her home décor rental business at www.louisandrocco.com. Also make sure to follow her on Instagram @margaritabravo__
I just love what I do. I'm very passionate about it. Every single project, I'll take like it's my own house.
Margarita Bravo
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Welcome! In this week’s Chaise Lounge, Nick May chats with Eddie Maestri, owner of Maestri Studio in Dallas, Texas. His business offers architecture services, interior design, finishing and landscape design.
Architecture has been an important part of Eddie's life since childhood. After graduating from Texas A&M with Master's Degree in Architecture, he worked on an architecture firm and would do architecture work on the side for his friends. During the market crash of 2008, Eddie decided to take his side gig full-time, and today he runs his own architecture and interior design firm, as well as his own art gallery.
Visit Eddie Maestri's website, www.maestristudio.com, and check out his business Instagram @Maestristudio, or his gallery Instagram @Maestrigallery.
I think it just takes education, to help them understand how it works and I've been trying to get better and better at explaining that and to adjust their expectations.
Eddie Maestri
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Welcome! On this week's Chaise Lounge, Nick May sits down with Christian Daw, from Christian Daw Design. Christian started as a lawyer before making a career switch. However, while going through school, Christian would flip houses on the side.
Nick and Christian discuss his transition to the design world, the origins of Christian's company, and how he built his company in three short years.
Follow Christian Daw on Instagram @Christiandawdesign!
I just kicked myself in the ass and was like don't let this ever happen again. So that just meant it's not about the money, just hire.
Christian Daw
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High Point Market is only 2 months away! On this week's episode of The Chaise Lounge, Nick May sits down with Keita Turner from Keita Turner Design, Thom Filicia from Thom Filicia Incorporated, and Ashley Grigg, Director of Marketing Communications at High Point Market Authority. With High Point Market quickly approaching, they discuss Fall High Point Market 2020, and what precautions they took then to be a safe environment and what they are doing to remain safe in June. They also talk about some of the silver linings for having to work around COVID, and what benefits were created from that.High Point Market is June 5 - 9, 2021. To register head over to highpointmarket.org/register.Check out everyone's website or follow them on Instagram:Keita Turner - www.keitaturnerdesign.com, www.livvyandneva.com, @KeitaTurnerDesignThom Filicia - www.thomfilicia.com, www.sedgwickandbrattle.com, @ThomFiliciaAshley Grigg - www.highpointmarket.org, @HighPointMarket
There were some editors that would see me posting and they're like "Oh my God, I'm having F.O.M.O (Fear of missing out)"
Keita Turner
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Welcome! In this week's Chaise Lounge, Nick May sits down with John Robert Wiltgen from John Robert Wiltgen Design, Inc. based in Chicago, IL. John Robert Wiltgen is currently retired after being an interior designer for 40 years.
John shares his experience with Nick, from how he got started in the design world to starting his first company with a former classmate to even working with the Nigerian government. With 40 years of experience, John also reflects on what made him so successful along with giving his opinion on what up-and-coming designers should do to succeed in the design world.
Check out John Robert Wiltgen's blog, www.thecandyinmypocket.com, also on www.jrwdesign.com and follow John Robert Wiltgen Design, Inc. on Instagram @johnrobertwiltgendesigninc!
The reality of it is, you really just don't know until you try and you shouldn't limit yourself because someone tells you something.
John Robert Wiltgen
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Welcome to this week’s episode of The Chaise Lounge! This week Nick May sits down with Anthony Barzilay Freund the Editorial Director of 1stDibs.
Nick and Anthony discuss the origins of 1stDibs, which was started 20 years ago by Michael Bruno, and their rise up to be the powerhouse that it is today. With 4,000 individual shops from over 55 countries around the world, 1stDibs not only has luxurious items but also explains the origins of these items.
They also dive into 1stDibs' survey on The Top Interior Design Trends of 2021.
For more information on 1stDibs, check out www.1stDibs.com or follow them on Instagram @1stDibs!
*Editor’s Note: Anthony meant Paul Evans not Paul Williams.
It's my duty to not tell the story that people want to hear, it's to tell them the stories they should be hearing.
Anthony Barzilay Freund
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Today on The Chaise Lounge, Nick May is joined by Rhett Alexander (Rhett Alexander LLC). Nick has an interesting connection to Rhett, as he designed the community that Nick’s parents are living in now!
Rhett was born in Columbia while his parents were serving in the Peace Corps which he later joined himself. Through the Peace Corps, Rhett was awarded a scholarship and earned a master's degree from Columbia University. While teaching at a school in Orlando, he attended a community college for interior design and worked as an intern - later starting his very own firm. Rhett Alexander LLC specializes in model home merchandising, sales centers, clubhouses, and vacation homes.
Learn more about Rhett at his website, www.rhettalexander.com or follow Rhett on Instagram @RhettAlexanderLLC!
The single most important thing that I learned was starting every job with a budget and sticking to it.
Rhett Alexander
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Welcome! Today in The Chaise Lounge, Nick May sits down with Anne Carr of Anne Carr Designs. Anne is a home stager and interior designer in the Los Angeles area .Anne discovered her passion for interior design when she helped her friends with creative home renovations. After working in finance, Anne decided to enrolled in the New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) to bring her talent to the next level.Anne and Nick discuss her transition from finance to interior design, the difference between staging a home and designing a home to be lived in. Also, Anne shares a tip with Nick, that in his 28 seasons of the Chaise Lounge has never heard.Learn more about Anne at her website, www.annecarrdesigncom or follow her on Instagram @annecarrdesigns!
We lived in a house and I designed it for me, and a woman came up to me and said "You should try staging. This is incredible."
Anne Carr
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Chaise Lounge Updates After a long winter/COVID-related hiatus, Coast to Coast is coming back this Wednesday (March 10). Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
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Welcome! Today in The Lounge, Nick sits down with Carrie Brigham of Carrie Brigham Design.
Carrie is based in Naples, Florida and graduated from Florida State University in 2008, during the recession. Nick and Carrie discuss trying to break into the interior design business during that time and Carrie's journey from working at other design firms to eventually starting her own in 2017. They also discuss Carrie's future endeavors.
Learn more about Carrie at her website, www.carriebrighamdesign.com or follow Carrie on Instagram @CarrieBrighamDesign!
I'm more of a strong leader and it was my next step in my natural progression, to take a risk a on myself and go out on my own and launch my own company.
Carrie Brigham
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Chaise Lounge Updates We'll be covering Spring High Point Market 2019! Stay in the loop on our Instagram and Facebook pages and keep an eye our for our upcoming market events! Our new podcast Coast to Coast Design is live! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
You've seen them in the lobby at your doctor's office. Maybe you've even read one. On this week’s episode of The Chaise Lounge, Nick May is joined by David Kaufman of Architectural Digest. At Architectural Digest, David is responsible for converting print media to digital content. Nick and David discuss what it takes to be on the AD100 list, moving news to mobile applications, and trends we are seeing in design like paint colors and converting to multi-use rooms. David grew up in San Francisco and moved to New York to attend NYU. He studied journalism and had an internship at another well known magazine. Learn more about Architectural Digest at www.architecturaldigest.com.
So I think the biggest trend is that people are going to continue to be in their homes much more than they used to before covid which means that there’s going to be a lot of wear and tear on their home.
David Kaufman
Tweet
So I think the biggest trend is that people are going to continue to be in their homes much more than they used to before covid which means that there’s going to be a lot of wear and tear on their home.
David Kaufman
Tweet
Chaise Lounge Updates Coast to Coast Design is taking a hiatus as we are working to bring you a better listening experience. Stay tuned for further updates.
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Welcome to the Season 28 premiere of The Chaise Lounge! This week on the Lounge, Nick May is joined by returning guest Kelli Ellis with Ronati.
Nick and Kelli are longtime friends who catch up on what they’re doing. Kelli is the VP of Industry Relations at Ronati, a service that provides an online presence for antique art dealers. She is also the designer for the Design Network, which is on smart TVs. Kelli’s creativity has been stirring and is excited about one day being able to film again.
They share a longing for getting out and traveling more. While on a wedding trip to Arizona, Nick made friends with the bartender at the hotel bar! He was in his element when they started to talk about business.
So grab a glass of chardonnay and join us for Season 28!
Learn more about Ronati at www.ronati.com. Follow Kelli on her Instagram @designerkelliellis. Listen to the episode Kelli was originally on www.thechaiseloungepodcast.com/98-kelli-ellis-interior-design-entrepreneur/.
So I do a lot virtually and of course now we’ve all learned that we can do pretty much almost anything virtually except to paint a wall. Aside from painting a wall, or anything that’s handy, I can design virtually no problem.
Kelli Ellis
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So I do a lot virtually and of course now we’ve all learned that we can do pretty much almost anything virtually except to paint a wall. Aside from painting a wall, or anything that’s handy, I can design virtually no problem.
Kelli Ellis
Tweet
Chaise Lounge Updates Coast to Coast Design is taking a hiatus as we are working to bring you a better listening experience. Stay tuned for further updates.
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Upcoming Markets High Point Market – June 5 – 9, 2021
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Although getting an education is important, there are some things that can only be learned by having work experience. For our season finale of The Chaise Lounge, Nick May is joined by Melissa Banko of Banko Design. Melissa tells of the importance of getting out there and learning by working.
Nick and Melissa discuss the good and bad of HGTV programs and whether they help paint an accurate picture of what interior design is. She emphasizes that students get out and start learning the trade outside of their textbooks and what they see in the media
Banko Design specializes in senior living, multi-family and hospitality. They believe that a senior living community should be designed for the seniors living there, not just to appease the adult children. The firm also provides procurement services for FF&E, decorative lighting and custom flooring.
Learn more about Banko Design at www.bankodesign.com. Be sure to check out what they're doing on their Instagram page @bankodesignfirm.
We have had really rapid growth. I have an amazing team and people ask how we did it as fast as we did it and without sounding too cheesy, it really is the people. This team has got grit, they’ve got hussle and that’s why we’ve grown as fast as we have in 6 years.
Melissa Banko
Tweet
We have had really rapid growth. I have an amazing team and people ask how we did it as fast as we did it and without sounding too cheesy, it really is the people. This team has got grit, they’ve got hussle and that’s why we’ve grown as fast as we have in 6 years.
Melissa Banko
Tweet
Chaise Lounge Updates Coast to Coast Design is taking a hiatus as we are working to bring you a better listening experience. Stay tuned for further updates.
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Upcoming Markets High Point Market – June 5 – 9, 2021
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Today on The Chaise Lounge, Nick May is joined by Cara Woodhouse of Cara Woodhouse Interiors. Nick and Cara discuss her bad experience with an internship, her love of art as a child and downsizing her company to better provide services to her clients.
Cara has had multiple design companies with one ending with her moving to London during the 2008 recession. Back in New York, she started Cara Woodhouse Interiors in 2016 after a short partnership with a close friend. Her firm specializes in high end residential and commercial design all over the US and abroad.
Learn more about Cara Woodhouse Interiors by visiting their website at www.carawoodhouse.com. Be sure to check her out on Instagram @carawoodhouseinteriors.
I was just constantly working nonstop and I just felt burnt out so I told my now husband ‘Don’t come here. I think I’m going to come live to London.’
Cara Woodhouse
Tweet
I was just constantly working nonstop and I just felt burnt out so I told my now husband ‘Don’t come here. I think I’m going to come live to London.’
Cara Woodhouse
Tweet
Chaise Lounge Updates Coast to Coast Design is taking a hiatus as we are working to bring you a better listening experience. Stay tuned for further updates.
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets High Point Market – June 5 – 9, 2021
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
For the first time on the show, we have a guest that became a partner at a firm after being an employee. Joining Nick May on The Chaise Lounge is Tom Diverio of Dunagan Diverio Design.
Tom had worked for Charlotte Dunagan for several years before being asked to come on as partner. Charlotte’s background in interior design and Tom’s background in architecture combine for a unique service they call interior architecture. They specialize in high end residential design and have grown the company from 4 people to 20 people. Listen in and see how they came together to grow an existing business.
Learn more about Dunagan Diverio Design at www.dunagandiverio.com. Be sure to check out their Instagram @dunagandiverio. To listen to the episode with Charlotte Dunagan, go to www.thechaiseloungepodcast.com/90-two-different-interior-designers-charlotte-dunagan-garrow-kedigian/.
We both sort of do everything which I think is great because if something ever comes up we can both handle it. It’s not like ‘Oh my God. This person is asking this so that’s really a Charlotte question, not a me question.’
Tom Diverio
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We both sort of do everything which I think is great because if something ever comes up we can both handle it. It’s not like ‘Oh my God. This person is asking this so that’s really a Charlotte question, not a me question.’
Tom Diverio
Tweet
Chaise Lounge Updates We’re well into another new season of Coast to Coast Design. New conversations, new microphones, new takes on old themes. Be sure to add us to your feeds if you haven’t already, and stay tuned!
Chaise Lounge Updates
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Upcoming Markets High Point Market – June 5 – 9, 2021
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
If you’re not using social media, our next guest highly recommends you start. On today’s episode of The Chaise Lounge, Kyla Herbes joins Nick May as they talk about using social media as a marketing tool for your business.
Specifically, Kyla talks about using Pinterest and Tik Tok to grow your business. Pinterest works like Google in that with the right keywords (SEO), users can reach you easily. Videos are trending and Tik Tok is perfect for showing short clips of what you can do. Better yet, you can pin your Tik Tok clip on Pinterest and reach even more people!
Learn more about Kyla and House of Hipsters at www.houseofhipsters.com. Use Stats Check LOL to see which hashtags to use in your Tik Tok posts www.statschecklol.com. Click on the link to see Nick's Tik Tok.
It is a huge traffic driver that if you use the proper keywords - I’m going to say SEO and hope that people know what that is - if you think about Pinterest as a search engine or as google only with images, you want to be higher ranked.
Kyla Herbes
Tweet
It is a huge traffic driver that if you use the proper keywords - I’m going to say SEO and hope that people know what that is - if you think about Pinterest as a search engine or as google only with images, you want to be higher ranked.
Kyla Herbes
Tweet
Chaise Lounge Updates We’re well into another new season of Coast to Coast Design. New conversations, new microphones, new takes on old themes. Be sure to add us to your feeds if you haven’t already, and stay tuned!
Our Events Page
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Upcoming Markets High Point Market – June 5 – 9, 2021
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
On today’s episode of The Chaise Lounge, Nick May has a conversation with Genevieve Trousdale of Circaphiles. Nick and Genevieve share a passion for helping others and bringing value to their industries.
Genevieve started a network that services interior designers and allows them to network with others, find vendors, and educate themselves on how to run a successful design business. She knows how important it is to build and nurture relationships to find success in the business world.
Learn more about Circaphiles by visiting their website at www.circaphiles.com. Be sure to check out their Instagram @circaphiles.
I’ve always nurtured my relationships with my vendors because I can’t do my job without them and this console table is not going to have as pretty as a finish if I rely on somebody else so it’s really important to build a relationship and nurture it.
Genevieve Trousdale
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I’ve always nurtured my relationships with my vendors because I can’t do my job without them and this console table is not going to have as pretty as a finish if I rely on somebody else so it’s really important to build a relationship and nurture it.
Genevieve Trousdale
Tweet
Chaise Lounge Updates We’re well into another new season of Coast to Coast Design. New conversations, new microphones, new takes on old themes. Be sure to add us to your feeds if you haven’t already, and stay tuned!
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets High Point Market – June 5 – 9, 2021
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
To the public eye, you might seem like an overnight success. For our next guest, her overnight success came after over 20 years of hard work. This week on The Chaise Lounge, Nick May is joined by Kendall Wilkinson of Kendall Wilkinson Design.
Kendall grew up in California where she started her career in the film business. She decided to take a break and vacationed in Paris where she fell in love with architecture. She decided to change career paths and studied interior design. She started her company after a short stint in her mother’s design firm. Kendall Wilkinson Design is a full service design firm. She has also delved into indoor and outdoor fabrics inspired by her travels to such places as Paris and Mexico. Kendall hired a COO so that she can focus on design and have more freedom in her business and life. Let’s see how a COO can help you as well!
Learn more about Kendall Wilkinson Design and her fabric lines at www.kendallwilkinson.com.
If you’re going to have a partner, you want to make sure you have a partner who does the exact opposite as you do, but you are coming from the same level of wanting to get to the end result but you’re both going about it in a different way because of the skills one has versus the other.
Kendall Wilkinson
Tweet
If you’re going to have a partner, you want to make sure you have a partner who does the exact opposite as you do, but you are coming from the same level of wanting to get to the end result but you’re both going about it in a different way because of the skills one has versus the other.
Kendall Wilkinson
Tweet
Chaise Lounge Updates We’re well into another new season of Coast to Coast Design. New conversations, new microphones, new takes on old themes. Be sure to add us to your feeds if you haven’t already, and stay tuned!
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets High Point Market – June 5 – 9, 2021
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
One way to think of Covid in a positive mindset is that it certainly has made people more aware of their physical and mental health. On this week’s episode of The Chaise Lounge, Sarah Walker of The Curated House joins Nick May where they talk about sustainable interior design.
Furniture and other décor items are not manufactured with health in mind. They are made with toxins that give us higher chances of being diagnosed with a serious disease. That is where Sarah comes in to save the day!
Learn more about The Curated House by visiting their website www.thecuratedhouse.com. Be sure to see what Sarah is up to on her Instagram @thecuratedhouse. Take a look at her course on sustainable design www.dwellingwelldesignacademy.com.
You need to address your built environment as a radical act of self care as a way of investing in your health and well being. That’s really what it is. It’s either going to positively contribute to living in your optimal state of well being or it’s going to hijack your health with those hidden toxins.
Sarah Walker
Tweet
You need to address your built environment as a radical act of self care as a way of investing in your health and well being. That’s really what it is. It’s either going to positively contribute to living in your optimal state of well being or it’s going to hijack your health with those hidden toxins.
Sarah Walker
Tweet
Chaise Lounge Updates We’re well into another new season of Coast to Coast Design. New conversations, new microphones, new takes on old themes. Be sure to add us to your feeds if you haven’t already, and stay tuned!
Our Events Page
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Upcoming Markets High Point Market – June 5 - 9, 2021
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Our next guest advises us to consider how many projects are submitted to a magazine or other piece of publishing before submitting projects for press. On this week’s episode of The Chaise Lounge, Nick May is joined by Amy Flurry.
Amy runs a communications company that specializes in the interior design industry. Her book Recipe for Press was written to help you pitch to editors and be your own publicist. Services she provides include consulting and temporary media outreach. In this episode, she gives advice on how to get press for your interior design business.
Learn more about Amy Flurry by visiting her website at www.amyflurry.com. See what she is doing on her Instagram @amyflurry.
This year has been so crazy and thrown so many curveballs, but I think we’ve all learned a lot about our businesses and about the strength and importance of relationships and being nimble.
Amy Flurry
Tweet
This year has been so crazy and thrown so many curveballs, but I think we’ve all learned a lot about our businesses and about the strength and importance of relationships and being nimble.
Amy Flurry
Tweet
Chaise Lounge Updates We’re well into another new season of Coast to Coast Design. New conversations, new microphones, new takes on old themes. Be sure to add us to your feeds if you haven’t already, and stay tuned!
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets Happy Holidays from all of us at The Chaise Lounge and iMay Media teams! We will update you on upcoming markets as soon as we can.
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Going to school to further your education while raising your children is an admirable act. This week’s guest, Jackie Armour with JMA Interior Design, joins Nick May on The Chaise Lounge. It was Jackie’s life mission to graduate, earning a degree in architecture.
From Delray Beach, Florida, Jackie went to school at the University of Florida. She started her business by winning a contest which entitled her to be on the front page of the local newspaper. NIck and Jackie discuss how things have changed in business, marketing, and being open-minded and flexible to get a design project completed. With 25 years in business, JMA Interior Design specializes in new construction.
Learn more about JMA Interior Design by visiting their website at www.jmainteriordesign.com. Be sure to check her out on Instagram @jmainteriordesign.
New construction really allows you to be a lot more creative. And of course depending on who the architect is, but we have so much more flexibility in terms of checking the footprint of the house. We get heavily involved.
Jackie Armour
Tweet
New construction really allows you to be a lot more creative. And of course depending on who the architect is, but we have so much more flexibility in terms of checking the footprint of the house. We get heavily involved.
Jackie Armour
Tweet
Chaise Lounge Updates We’re excited to announce another new season of Coast to Coast Design, back on October 28th! New conversations, new microphones, new takes on old themes. Be sure to add us to your feeds if you haven’t already, and stay tuned!
Our Events Page
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Upcoming Markets Stay tuned for updates.
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Covid has affected all aspects of how we live our lives from how we live and work to the activities and hobbies we fill our free time with. Jaye Mize with Fashion Snoops joins Nick May today on The Chaise Lounge.
Jaye is a friend of the show and we are excited to have her back on. Nick and Jaye talk the trends of covid and what people are doing. People are leaving big cities to go to more rural areas and have larger homes. Working remote, and paying more attention to physical and mental health are the trends Jaye is seeing. Let’s check back in with Jaye!
Learn more about Fashion Snoops by visiting their website at www.fashionsnoops.com. Listen to the previous episode Jaye was on by clicking here.
Everybody wants solution based furniture which means it has built-in convenience options, it has USB plugs, even power plugs, speakers. Just anything that would make that piece all inclusive to anything that you want to do.
Jaye Mize
Tweet
Everybody wants solution based furniture which means it has built-in convenience options, it has USB plugs, even power plugs, speakers. Just anything that would make that piece all inclusive to anything that you want to do.
Jaye Mize
Tweet
Chaise Lounge Updates We’re excited to announce another new season of Coast to Coast Design, back on October 28th! New conversations, new microphones, new takes on old themes. Be sure to add us to your feeds if you haven’t already, and stay tuned!
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets Stay tuned for updates.
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Many memories are made with our grandparents that we carry into adulthood. They teach us important lessons and make us laugh. Joining Nick May on The Chaise Lounge this week is Lisa Davenport of LDD Interiors.
Lisa co-hosts the Coast to Coast Design podcast with fellow friend and designer Garrison Hullinger. Nick’s friendship with both Lisa and Garrison came from the power of podcasting and being in the interior design world.
LDD Interiors incorporates the client’s personality and history into their designs. With offices in Connecticut and Naples, Florida, Lisa is helping Nick’s own parents move down to Florida and design their new space. Now that’s a strong friendship!
Learn more about LDD Interiors by visiting their website at www.lddinteriors.com. Check out what she's up to on her Instagram @cashmereandbluejeans. Listen to Lisa and co-host Garrison Hullinger on the Coast to Coast podcast at www.coasttocoastpodcast.com.
If we can’t laugh at some of our mistakes, we should learn from our mistakes. But if we can’t laugh at some of them, get out of the business. Get out. Life is too short not to laugh at some of this stuff.
Lisa Davenport
Tweet
If we can’t laugh at some of our mistakes, we should learn from our mistakes. But if we can’t laugh at some of them, get out of the business. Get out. Life is too short not to laugh at some of this stuff.
Lisa Davenport
Tweet
Chaise Lounge Updates We’re excited to announce another new season of Coast to Coast Design, back on October 28th! New conversations, new microphones, new takes on old themes. Be sure to add us to your feeds if you haven’t already, and stay tuned!
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets Stay tuned for updates.
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Our next guests have the entrepreneurial spirit - they are unhirable and will figure things out on their own. Joining Nick May today on The Chaise Lounge are George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg of Yabu Pushelberg.
In business for 40 years, Glenn and George have grown their business to offices in New York and Toronto. Their work has consisted of retail stores and restaurants, hotels and large residential complexes, furniture and lighting, and fabric. Winning an award led them to design their very first hotel: W New York. They have gone on to start a lifestyle brand Departo providing furniture, towels and many other items.
Let’s jump into the interview with George and Glenn!
Learn more about Yabu Pushelberg by visiting their website at www.yabupushelberg.com. Take a look at their lifestyle items at www.departo.co. Also be sure to check out their Instagram pages @yabupushelberg and @george.glenn.
What we always learned is if you have goals, keep them abstract. Don’t figure out the roadmap to get to the goal, but keep your eye on the goal. You’ll find it.
Glenn Pushelberg
Tweet
What we always learned is if you have goals, keep them abstract. Don’t figure out the roadmap to get to the goal, but keep your eye on the goal. You’ll find it.
Glenn Pushelberg
Tweet
Chaise Lounge Updates We’re excited to announce another new season of Coast to Coast Design, back on October 28th! New conversations, new microphones, new takes on old themes. Be sure to add us to your feeds if you haven’t already, and stay tuned!
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets Stay tuned for updates.
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Today on The Chaise Lounge, we bring you another clip show! We wil be doing these once per season so stay tuned for more flashbacks in future seasons. In this flashback Friday, we show you that our podcasts are edited to make Nick and, most importantly, the guests sound great!
There are timestamps to identify each guest and links to their respective episodes and Instagram pages below.
Angela Harris – S25 E1 (3:43 - 8:14) @byangelaharris
Hannah Crowell – S21 E5 (8:15 - 13:12) @hannahcrowell
Jenn Feldman – Episode 85 (13:13 - 17:25) @jennfeldmandesigns
Kenneth Boyer – S23 E2 (17:26 - 21:50) @atelierkla
Michael Habachy – Episode 20 (21:51 - 26:11) @habachydesigns
Teddie & Courtney Garrigan – Episode 268 (26:12 - 30:25) @cocoanddash
Tish Mills – S23 E19 (30:26 - 33:49) @tishmills
Tym Desanto – S24 E9 with Guest Host Rachel Moriarty (33:50 - 37:56) @tymdesanto
Well welcome and thanks for joining me today on the lounge. I'm Nick May your host, and today we're going to be talking about growing your interior design business.
Nick May
Tweet
Well welcome and thanks for joining me today on the lounge. I'm Nick May your host, and today we're going to be talking about growing your interior design business.
Nick May
Tweet
Chaise Lounge Updates We’re excited to announce another new season of Coast to Coast Design, back on October 28th! New conversations, new microphones, new takes on old themes. Be sure to add us to your feeds if you haven’t already, and stay tuned!
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets Stay tuned for updates.
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Some guests on panel episodes have the energy that we like to look for. Our next guest was on a panel in Season 26 and we decided to bring her back. Amy Kartheiser (Amy Kartheiser Design) returns to The Chaise Lounge with Nick May.
Amy got into interior design after years of working in a sales position that taught her a lot about business. She later bought her own loft and skipped out on work to go with her mom to the markets and pick out items for her place. She realized she liked designing so much that she started her own firm.
Amy also shares her passion for suicide prevention and her charity Under the Same Sky she founded inspired by her family’s personal experience with suicide. Under the Same Sky launches November 21st.
Learn more about Amy Kartheiser Design by visiting their website www.amykartheiserdesign.com. For more information on Amy's charity, Under the Same Sky, please visit www.utsscharity.org.
To me that’s like A number 1 when you’re running a business is customer service and that job really taught me everything - not everything I needed to know about running a design business, but taught me what the important points are in running a business. So I’m forever grateful for it.
Amy Kartheiser
Tweet
To me that’s like A number 1 when you’re running a business is customer service and that job really taught me everything - not everything I needed to know about running a design business, but taught me what the important points are in running a business. So I’m forever grateful for it.
Amy Kartheiser
Tweet
Chaise Lounge Updates We’re excited to announce another new season of Coast to Coast Design, back on October 28th! New conversations, new microphones, new takes on old themes. Be sure to add us to your feeds if you haven’t already, and stay tuned!
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets Stay tuned for updates.
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Our next guest started down the path of fine art and sculpting. A mentor later directed her down a path to interior design. Hailing from the east coast, Christine Markatos Lowe (Christine Markatos Design) joins Nick May on The Chaise Lounge today.
Having earned an MSA in sculpture, Christine’s professor suggested she become an interior designer. She worked for prominent architecture firms and learned the business before she started her own firm in 2005. Based in Los Angeles, Christine Markatos Design specializes in custom residential design with a modern, yet classical influence.
Learn more about Christine Markatos Design by visiting their website at www.markatosdesign.com.
So I feel like everybody is in the same place and in some ways, I haven’t thought about this before, but maybe it’s almost more equalizing because if you’re working and you’re at home you’re no different than somebody who’s not working and at home. Suddenly everybody is on this same playing field.
Christine Markatos Lowe
Tweet
So I feel like everybody is in the same place and in some ways, I haven’t thought about this before, but maybe it’s almost more equalizing because if you’re working and you’re at home you’re no different than somebody who’s not working and at home. Suddenly everybody is on this same playing field.
Christine Markatos Lowe
Tweet
Chaise Lounge Updates We’re excited to announce another new season of Coast to Coast Design, back on October 28th! New conversations, new microphones, new takes on old themes. Be sure to add us to your feeds if you haven’t already, and stay tuned!
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Lauren Clement
Courtney McLeod
Chad James
Christian Daw Welcome! Today on The Chaise Lounge, we bring you a panel of designers as they discuss Design Disruptors and navigating your business in the digital age. The panel is put on by Universal Furniture. Your host, Nick May, is joined by Lauren Clement, Courtney McLeod, Chad James and Christian Daw.
Learn more about Universal Furniture by visiting their website www.universalfurniture.com. Chaise Lounge Updates We’re excited to announce another new season of Coast to Coast Design, back on October 28th! New conversations, new microphones, new takes on old themes. Be sure to add us to your feeds if you haven’t already, and stay tuned!
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets Stay tuned for updates.
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
From college athlete to sports broadcasting to interior design - this week’s guest seems to have done it all. Today on The Chaise Lounge, Nick May is joined by Bre Hance of InHance Interiors.
Having played basketball from a young age and through college, a lot of Bre’s life had revolved around sports. She had been a sports reporter for her school and she had to stop because she couldn’t bring herself to critique the quarterback, who was her friend. She was thrown into interior design by way of her husband’s development company and now specializes in high end residential design/build. Being a social butterfly has helped grow her network consisting of people who know her, like her and trust her.
Learn more about InHance Interiors by visiting www.inhanceinteriors.com. Also be sure to check her out on Instagram @inhance_interiors.
It’s about how many people know you, like you and trust you. It’s something that has really stuck with me because it’s been instrumental in my growth. Even now, referral business and the things that I’m doing, it kind of just starts to take off and just snowball. It’s been awesome for me.
Bre Hance
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It’s about how many people know you, like you and trust you. It’s something that has really stuck with me because it’s been instrumental in my growth. Even now, referral business and the things that I’m doing, it kind of just starts to take off and just snowball. It’s been awesome for me.
Bre Hance
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Chaise Lounge Updates We're excited to announce another new season of Coast to Coast Design, back on October 28th! New conversations, new microphones, new takes on old themes. Be sure to add us to your feeds if you haven't already, and stay tuned!
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets Stay tuned for updates.
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Our next guest grew up in the great outdoors of Montana and Wyoming before taking a path down interior design. On today’s season premiere of The Chaise Lounge, Nick May sits down with Chris Ritchie of Christopher Zoltan Design.
Chris Ritchie has a tight relationship with design. His mother was the designer for Yellowstone National Park and later had him help in her Atlanta firm. After his mother passed, he paved his own path to interior design and now has a successful design firm. Christopher Zoltan Design, based in Washington DC, specializes in hospitality and furniture design. Chris’ eye for furniture helped him get in the door of well-known hotel brands such as MGM Grand, Bellagio and Hollywood.
It’s not about me I always tell my team. It’s about us. And when the client feels that, they come into our very cool office, they feel like it’s a whole team. They get the project, they get what’s going on, they understand it. It’s not just me pitching it. So I think that’s what’s really important with all of us.
Christopher Ritchie
Tweet
It’s not about me I always tell my team. It’s about us. And when the client feels that, they come into our very cool office, they feel like it’s a whole team. They get the project, they get what’s going on, they understand it. It’s not just me pitching it. So I think that’s what’s really important with all of us.
Christopher Ritchie
Tweet
General Updates Nick May will be joining the Universal Furniture team on October 19 at 4pm EST. They will be talking about Design Disruptors and navigating your business in the digital age. Be sure to check it out by going to www.universalfurniture.com/events/designdisruptors Chaise Lounge Updates Season five of Coast to Coast Design has come to an end. We are taking a short break so you have time to catch up on episodes. Be sure to tune in for a Livestream in the coming weeks. We will have more information soon!
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets High Point Market | October 13-21
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
On this season finale of The Chaise Lounge, Nick May is joined by Jasmine Lam with Jasmine Lam Interior Design based in Miami.
Jasmine came from the movie industry working with some of the most successful people in the industry. She made business deals with screenwriters, directors and actors, and decided she also wanted to do the creative part. That was where her firm was born. Jasmine Lam Interior Design specializes mainly in residential projects all over the world.
Learn more about what Jasmine and Jasmine Lam Interior Design are doing by visiting their website www.jasminelam.com and be sure to check them out on Instagram @jasminelaminteriordesign.
And I think because I did so many different types of clients in New York even with that my network just expanded a lot. So how do you do it? You know it’s weird. I guess you just have to be really courageous and just go for it. You just go and talk to as many people as you can.
Jasmine Lam
Tweet
And I think because I did so many different types of clients in New York even with that my network just expanded a lot. So how do you do it? You know it’s weird. I guess you just have to be really courageous and just go for it. You just go and talk to as many people as you can.
Jasmine Lam
Tweet
General Updates Nick May will be joining the Universal Furniture team on October 19 at 4pm EST. They will be talking about Design Disruptors and navigating your business in the digital age. Be sure to check it out by going to www.universalfurniture.com/events/designdisruptors Chaise Lounge Updates Season five of Coast to Coast Design has come to an end. We are taking a short break so you have time to catch up on episodes. Be sure to tune in for a Livestream in the coming weeks. We will have more information soon!
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets High Point Market | October 13-21
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
It’s not everyday that we have a designer on the show from outside the continental United States. She’s a native of the Virgin Islands who later moved to Maryland and started her own design firm. Today’s guest, Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas who owns Interiors by Design, joins Nick May on The Chaise Lounge.Dennese obtained a degree in interior design, but went down other paths that eventually led her to start her own design firm. She helped a friend with some interior design and found it is what she needed to be doing.Interiors by Design is a residential interior design firm in Maryland. They specialize in new construction, remodeling, staging, furniture layout and much more!Learn more about what Dennese and Interiors by Design are doing by visiting their website at www.interiorsbydesignmd.com and check out their Instagram @interiorsbydesignllc.
People don’t realize how things have changed. When I first got into the business you used to be able to order fabrics without a problem because most of those vendors would keep that fabric on their shelves. And now if you needed to order something that’s not a hot seller, you have to wait for it to be made.
Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas
Tweet
People don’t realize how things have changed. When I first got into the business you used to be able to order fabrics without a problem because most of those vendors would keep that fabric on their shelves. And now if you needed to order something that’s not a hot seller, you have to wait for it to be made.
Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas
Tweet
Chaise Lounge Updates A new season of Coast to Coast Design is live, with Garrison Hullinger and returning co-host Lisa Davenport! That’s right, it’s their second season together and they’ve got plenty to say. Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business, and keeping up with the changing landscape.
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you. Upcoming Markets High Point Market | October 13-21
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
High Point Market year round? We think YES! On today’s episode of The Chaise Lounge, Nick May is joined by Carol Gregg, Gary Inman and Dudley Moore, Jr. They are some of the people involved in making High Point By Design happen.
With just bi-annual week-long events, there is a group of people that think the High Point Market should be open year round. They’re calling it High Point By Design. Here’s what they have to say.
Learn more about High Point By Design by visiting www.hpxd.org and be sure to check out their Instagram @highpointxdesign.
I think there will be consumers that will want to come and shop High Point and they’ll realize they need an export to help them do that. They can’t possibly do it on their own. So I think for those of us in the region there are probably going to be referrals and I would like to come and help someone shop High Point. I kind of know it like the back of my hand after 50 trips down there.
Gary Inman
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Chaise Lounge Updates A new season of Coast to Coast Design is live, with Garrison Hullinger and returning co-host Lisa Davenport! That’s right, it’s their second season together and they’ve got plenty to say. Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business, and keeping up with the changing landscape.
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets High Point Market | October 13-21
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
When she isn’t busy working, our next guest loves to host and cook for her friends. Today on The Chaise Lounge, Nick May is joined by New York-native Stephanie Cohen of Stephanie Cohen Home.
Stephanie had dreams of becoming an entertainment lawyer until she got married and decorated her house. Her husband liked the decor so much he encouraged her to take interior design classes, and now she manages much more than just an interior design business. She also runs a furniture showroom (pieces available on her website). Her family is very important to her and even her sons work in her design firm.
Learn more about Stephanie and Stephanie Cohen Home at www.stephaniecohenhome.com and check out her Instagram @stephaniecohenhome.
It’s never a sad environment. So I think that's what I love the most about what I do. Everybody that comes in is so excited about doing what they’re doing and so happy and it’s great. You get to work with people at their best.
Stephanie Cohen
Tweet
It’s never a sad environment. So I think that's what I love the most about what I do. Everybody that comes in is so excited about doing what they’re doing and so happy and it’s great. You get to work with people at their best.
Stephanie Cohen
Tweet
Chaise Lounge Updates A new season of Coast to Coast Design is live, with Garrison Hullinger and returning co-host Lisa Davenport! That’s right, it’s their second season together and they’ve got plenty to say. Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business, and keeping up with the changing landscape.
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets High Point Market | October 13-21
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Today on The Chaise Lounge, Nick May catches up with his friend Barclay Butera with Barclay Butera Interiors. This was an Instagram Live brought to you by Jaipur Living.
Barclay tells us of his newest rug collections with Jaipur Living, plans with his business moving forward and his rekindled relationship with his mother.
Learn more about what Barclay is doing by visiting his website www.barclaybutera.com. Be sure to check out his collection with Jaipur Living at www.jaipurliving.com.
In all the collections that we do we have a goal in mind and we stick to that goal. I don’t go back on anything. If I make a decision usually it’s just full speed ahead. I don’t second guess a decision.
Barclay Butera
Tweet
In all the collections that we do we have a goal in mind and we stick to that goal. I don’t go back on anything. If I make a decision usually it’s just full speed ahead. I don’t second guess a decision.
Barclay Butera
Tweet
Chaise Lounge Updates A new season of Coast to Coast Design is live, with Garrison Hullinger and returning co-host Lisa Davenport! That’s right, it’s their second season together and they’ve got plenty to say. Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business, and keeping up with the changing landscape.
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets High Point Market | October 13-21
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Living a healthy life includes living in a space you love. With our next guest, sustainability and mindfulness come together to do just that. Today, Marcy Garcia (MG Design Lab) joins Nick May on The Chaise Lounge.
Based in Miami, MG Design Lab takes your health into account when designing your environment. Her own struggle with infertility made her realize that there are chemicals and products in design that are not the best to share a space with. A native of Columbia, she came to San Francisco and never went back. She decided that design was the career change she needed, and after a brief employment at a design firm moved to Miami and started her own firm. Marcy admits she still has knowledge to be gained in business.
To learn more about what Marcy is doing, visit her website www.themgdesignlab.com and follow her on Instagram @themglab.
Check out what Nick and Walls By Design are doing at www.wallsbydesign.com.
I know that i’m not good at certain aspects of the business. Now that I'm more interested in being a business owner than just a designer, I just need to hire a mentor. I need to hire a coach. I need to hire people that give me that knowledge.
Marcy Garcia
Tweet
I know that i’m not good at certain aspects of the business. Now that I'm more interested in being a business owner than just a designer, I just need to hire a mentor. I need to hire a coach. I need to hire people that give me that knowledge.
Marcy Garcia
Tweet
Chaise Lounge Updates A new season of Coast to Coast Design is live, with Garrison Hullinger and returning co-host Lisa Davenport! That’s right, it’s their second season together and they’ve got plenty to say. Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business, and keeping up with the changing landscape.
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets High Point Market | October 13-21
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Amy Kartheiser
Mary Pat Wallace
Mary Jo Fasan As we push through COVID, one word echoes in many businesses: pivot. Today on The Chaise Lounge, Nick May is joined by three guests: Amy Kartheiser (Amy Kartheiser Design), Mary Pat Wallace (Chicago Luxury Beds) and Mary Jo Fasan (Jo Chicago Communications).
With COVID lockdowns and protests in Chicago, these ladies have all found ways to adapt to the changing times through digital services, deliveries and using social media content to help market their businesses.
Learn more about our guests at the links below:
Amy Kartheiser (Amy Kartheiser Design) @amykartheiserdesign
Mary Pat Wallace (Chicago Luxury Beds) @chicagoluxurybeds
Mary Jo Fasan (Jo Chicago Communications) @jochicagocomms
To thread from what you just said about pivoting, one of the best lines I’ve heard through this pandemic is that deprivation leads to innovation.
Mary Pat
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Chaise Lounge Updates A new season of Coast to Coast Design is live, with Garrison Hullinger and returning co-host Lisa Davenport! That’s right, it’s their second season together and they’ve got plenty to say. Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business, and keeping up with the changing landscape.
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets High Point Market | October 13-21
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Many times, success has a rough beginning. Our next guest started her business the week of 9/11. Joining Nick May today on The Chaise Lounge is Donna Mondi of Donna Mondi Interior Design. Nineteen years after that tragic event, Donna has turned her startup into a successful firm specializing in luxury.
Formally educated in interior design, Donna discusses learning the business of interior design through an interest in business books. She has grown her business with hard work and expediting services to a business management company. She no longer has to spend as much time in her business and is working on her exit plan. Talk about success!
Learn more about Donna at her website, https://www.donnamondi.com/ and on Instagram @donnamondiinteriordesign!
I think both my husband and I are starting to look at our exit path. I’m a bit younger than him which I probably remind him of enough. And we’re kind of looking at what is that going to look like.
Donna Mondi
Tweet
I think both my husband and I are starting to look at our exit path. I’m a bit younger than him which I probably remind him of enough. And we’re kind of looking at what is that going to look like.
Donna Mondi
Tweet
Chaise Lounge Updates A new season of Coast to Coast Design is live, with Garrison Hullinger and returning co-host Lisa Davenport! That’s right, it’s their second season together and they’ve got plenty to say. Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business, and keeping up with the changing landscape.
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets High Point Market | October 13-21
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Luxury: a state of great comfort and extravagant living. For those who live lives of luxury, there is luxury interior design. Joining Nick May on The Chaise Lounge today, Gavin Brodin of Brodin Design Build knows that all too well.
With no formal education in interiors, Gavin found himself thrust into the world of design after moving to Los Angeles (he’d previously fallen in love with L.A.’s winter weather on a Christmas trip). As often happens, he met a guy. Guy worked special events, like the Oscars and Emmys. The rest is history.
Gavin designs luxury residential and commercial spaces, the interior of a Gulfstream G650 private jet being one of them. Celebrities and the social elite have come from all around just for his unique eye and attention to detail.
Learn more about Gavin and Brodin Design Build on his website www.brodindesignbuild.com and on Instagram @brodindesignbuild.
We’ve been fortunate I’ve been doing a couple aviation projects, Gulfstream G650 which have definitely been the most exciting projects that we’ve ever done.
Gavin Brodin
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We’ve been fortunate I’ve been doing a couple aviation projects, Gulfstream G650 which have definitely been the most exciting projects that we’ve ever done.
Gavin Brodin
Tweet
Chaise Lounge Updates A new season of Coast to Coast Design is live, with Garrison Hullinger and returning co-host Lisa Davenport! That’s right, it’s their second season together and they’ve got plenty to say. Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business, and keeping up with the changing landscape.
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets High Point Market | October 13-21
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Seeing a celebrity in public would render most people starstruck. Our next guest is immune as she worked in entertainment before her transition into interior design. Sara Barney (Bandd Design) joins Nick May today on The Chaise Lounge.
After years in the entertainment industry, Sara went back to school for interior design. She found a way to blend her creative and entrepreneurial spirit and started Bandd Design. Originally intended as a hobby that paid, she couldn’t keep up with her leads and needed to quit her job. What a successful side gig!
Learn more about Sara and Bandd Design at her website, www.bandddesign.com! Also check her out on Instagram @jointhebandd.
I say the number one thing I look for when I’m hiring is the culture fit. This is the first place I’ve ever worked where there has been no drama and there are no major issues that come up within the team. We are all very respectful of one another, really like one another as people.
Sara Barney
Tweet
I say the number one thing I look for when I’m hiring is the culture fit. This is the first place I’ve ever worked where there has been no drama and there are no major issues that come up within the team. We are all very respectful of one another, really like one another as people.
Sara Barney
Tweet
Chaise Lounge Updates A new season of Coast to Coast Design is live, with Garrison Hullinger and returning co-host Lisa Davenport! That’s right, it’s their second season together and they’ve got plenty to say. Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business, and keeping up with the changing landscape.
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets High Point Market | October 13-21
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Today on The Chaise Lounge, we bring you something completely different - clips from some of Nick May's and our team's favorite episodes and clips! We even dusted off our very first intro sequence for this Throwback Thursday (Friday). Gotta say, it's really nice to go back and remember great guests, good times, and big laughs. Plus we finally learn how to pronounce Nick May.
There are timestamps to identify each guest and links to their respective episodes and Instagram pages below.
Barrie Livingstone - Episode 1 (3:40 - 7:28) @barrielivingstonedesigner
Kia Weatherspoon - Episode 13 (7:28 - 13:18) @kianweatherspoon
Garrison Hullinger - Episode 24 (13:20 - 15:39) @ghidinc
Franco Crea - Episode 254 (15:44 - 19:15) @franco_crea
Bobby Berk - Episode 74 (19:19 - 20:21) @bobby
Ghislaine Viñas - Episode 37 (20:25 - 22:36) @ghislaine_vinas
Sarah Wilson - Episode 134 (22:40 - 24:29) @chansaeraedesigns
Sally Williams - S23 E1 (24:33 - 27:54) @colorfulconceptsinteriordesign
Dan Rak - Episode 191 (27:58 - 32:14) @danrakdesign
Kim Scodro - Episode 21 (32:18 - 37:05) @kimscodrointeriors
Well welcome and thanks for joining me today on the lounge. I'm Nick May your host, and today we're going to be talking about growing your interior design business.
Nick May, iMay Media & The Chaise Lounge
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Chaise Lounge Updates A new season of Coast to Coast Design is live, with Garrison Hullinger and returning co-host Lisa Davenport! That’s right, it’s their second season together and they’ve got plenty to say. Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business, and keeping up with the changing landscape.
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets High Point Market | October 13-21
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
There are lots of ways our guests have entered interior design - some have stumbled into the industry, some have gone through an educational program. Karen Post of Home Frosting joins Nick May today on The Chaise Lounge.
She got her start in the sale of a high rise unit, when her realtor advised her to stage her home. Karen started her business and wanted to learn all about interior design, so she attended seminars where she found Nick. Her and Nick have one important thing in common: they know the value of marketing. HGTV even found her website and she has been on four of their shows. Now that’s strong branding!
Learn more about Karen Post and Home Frosting at HomeFrosting.com and follow @homefrostingfl on Instagram.
Sometimes it’s better if you don't know all the stuff because then you don't have any limits. As long as you do your homework and you take care of your customer and you have fun, anyone can do anything.
Karen Post
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Chaise Lounge Updates A new season of Coast to Coast Design is live, with Garrison Hullinger and returning co-host Lisa Davenport! That’s right, it’s their second season together and they’ve got plenty to say. Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business, and keeping up with the changing landscape.
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets High Point Market | October 13-21
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Although many people have had a relatively positive experience through covid, our next guest was hit with a little more reality. A good friend of Nick May’s, Garrison Hullinger of Garrison Hullinger Interior Design joins him on The Chaise Lounge.
Garrison gets real with Nick about his struggles with his business as soon as covid hit the U.S. He has struggled to keep his business above water having to lay off key employees and dealing with decreased revenue. One of his out-of-state projects even suffered an outbreak of covid among the workers. Let's show support for Garrison!
A host on our very own Coast to Coast Design podcast, Garrison and his co-host, Lisa Davenport, talk about the many ways to run an interior design business.
Learn more about what Garrison is up to on his website Garrison Hullinger Interior Design and follow him on Instagram @ghidinc. Also, check out his podcast Coast to Coast Design.
The really sad part is going back into normalcy and seeing empty storefronts that we’re going to see. That’s going to be really tough on all of us. But I think it is going to drive us back into our homes. And I think that we are going to feel comfortable entertaining small groups again.
Garrison Hullinger
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Chaise Lounge Updates A new season of Coast to Coast Design is live, with Garrison Hullinger and returning co-host Lisa Davenport! That’s right, it’s their second season together and they’ve got plenty to say. Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business, and keeping up with the changing landscape.
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Our next guest is a fellow Denverite who splits her time between Maine and Colorado focusing on residential and hospitality design. Ramey Caulkins of Griffin Design Source joins Nick May today on The Chaise Lounge.
Having a network of people to help a business grow in two different states is an invaluable asset. You never know who you might meet or where you might go. With limited entertainment opportunities these days, people are wanting to remodel their homes to host more get-togethers. Ramey can even help you get good reviews from your own guests!
Learn more about Ramey Caulkins at Griffin Design Source. Please be sure to follow her on Instagram @gdsinteriors and like her page on Facebook @griffindesignsource.
I knew I could sell ice to eskimos so I figured I could definitely have a career in sales.
Ramey Caulkins
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Chaise Lounge Updates A new season of Coast to Coast Design is live, with Garrison Hullinger and returning co-host Lisa Davenport! That’s right, it’s their second season together and they’ve got plenty to say. Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business, and keeping up with the changing landscape.
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Enjoying his vacation in Wisconsin this week, Nick May could social distance with our next guests a few hours’ drive away. Nick is accompanied today by two great friends Christine Phillips (Viola! PR and Design) and Sarah Willit (Patina Vie) on The Chaise Lounge.
Originally a panel between three (otherwise) intelligent and successful people turned into good friends just catching up. They discuss the trend of people moving from larger cities to smaller towns, the outlook for markets and trade shows, some of the projects they have been working on - and much more!
Learn more about what our guests are doing by following them on Instagram! @ChristineViolaPR and @PatinaVie. To watch future Live Chats, find us on Facebook @TheChaiseLounge.
We’ve been onliners for about six years so we’re seasoned pros, but our online has doubled. We’re hustling, man. We are packing and shipping, curbsides. It’s been good.
Sarah Willit
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Chaise Lounge Updates A new season of Coast to Coast Design is live, with Garrison Hullinger and returning co-host Lisa Davenport! That’s right, it’s their second season together and they’ve got plenty to say. Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business, and keeping up with the changing landscape.
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
For many designers, including this week's guests, having graduated from interior design school is not on the resume. Join Nick May in welcoming Heather and Matt French (French & French Interiors) to The Chaise Lounge. Heather and Matt remodeled a home before they sold it and moved to Santa Fe. It was through that experience that Heather knew design is what she’s supposed to be doing. Combining history, culture and purpose in residential and commercial spaces, the Frenches focus on designing for the experience. Their very first residential client even encouraged them to move into the commercial world and gave them a project at a hotel. Knowledge with mileage goes a long way!Learn more about Heather and Matt French at FrenchandFrenchInteriors.com. Be sure to check them out on Instagram @FrenchandFrenchInteriors.
We’re getting a lot of new calls from people spending a lot of time at home and probably wouldn’t consider an interior designer until they started to stare at their home office for days on end.
Matt French
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Chaise Lounge Updates A new season of Coast to Coast Design is live, with Garrison Hullinger and returning co-host Lisa Davenport! That’s right, it’s their second season together and they’ve got plenty to say. Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business, and keeping up with the changing landscape.
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
School projects come to fruition all the time, but not always to the full scale of our next guest. A home design that was done while in high school was used for the construction of someone’s home. Michael Suomi, of hospitality design firm Suomi Design Works, joins Nick May on today’s episode of The Chaise Lounge.
His firm, based out of Florida, has designed interiors for some of the best hotels and resorts in the country. Michael grew up skiing in the upper peninsula of Michigan. It has brought him to Colorado to design some of our very own ski resorts. Who knows? You may have stayed in and enjoyed the beautiful interiors he has put together.
Check out Suomi Design Works on Facebook.
If you’re doing a Hilton or a Hyatt or a Marriott, they all have their own brands. My passion is creating a hotel from scratch. What’s the idea behind a hotel? Who are the guests?
Michael Suomi
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Chaise Lounge Updates A new season of Coast to Coast Design is live, with Garrison Hullinger and returning co-host Lisa Davenport! That’s right, it’s their second season together and they’ve got plenty to say. Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business, and keeping up with the changing landscape.
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Husband and wife teams can combine their efforts for success in marriage as well as in the business world. In today’s episode of The Chaise Lounge, Nick May catches up with returning guests Phyllis and Bill Taylor with Taylor & Taylor Inc.
The Taylors have a knack for merging interior design with nature – mainly in tropical climates. Like many of our most recent guests, Phyllis and Bill have endured trying times through COVID. They have adapted their business to fit the needs of our current world, while excitedly awaiting a return to the office.
To listen to the episode of the last time Phyllis and Bill joined Nick, click here. Also, be sure to check out Taylor & Taylor Inc. on Instagram @TaylornTaylorInc.
Our office building in Wynwood has other designers and various tenants and as of the chatter this morning we may be one of the few people anticipating a return. I think a lot of people are finding that they don’t need an office.
Bill Taylor
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Chaise Lounge Updates A new season of Coast to Coast Design is live, with Garrison Hullinger and returning co-host Lisa Davenport! That's right, it's their second season together and they've got plenty to say. Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business, and keeping up with the changing landscape.
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Deciding what you want to do is hard enough. If you’re lucky, you figure it out at a young age. This week’s guest on The Chaise Lounge, Nick May sits down with Joni Vanderslice of J. Banks Design Group, who in her childhood rearranged the furniture in her living room.
J. Banks Design Group specializes in residential and resort design. Joni tells us about the effects to the hospitality industry during this Coronavirus pandemic. Driven by a desire to mix passion and purpose, Joni and her family started an orphanage in Africa where they house 29 children. A true family of the village.
Learn more about J. Banks Design Group and the Valentine Project.
You have to be able to take your passion and your purpose and put them together at some point. You might not do that when you first step out, but that should be the goal.
Joni Vanderslice
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Chaise Lounge Updates We just wrapped our latest season of Coast to Coast Design, with Garrison Hullinger and new co-host Lisa Davenport! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business. Also check out our pair of hiatus episodes where Garrison and Lisa talk a little about these modern times.
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Mixing the old and the new inspires designers from all around the world. Today on The Chaise Lounge, guest host Bruce McDonald talks to Paris’ own Anne Carminati (Maison Anne Carminati). A designer who first cofounded a firm in New York City, and recently started her own firm in France - Anne understands that different locations serve different cultures, different needs.Anne is a classical and contemporary designer who understands the importance in the stories and heritages of her clients. Using the surrounding natural environments, Anne designs holistic spaces that complement each other. A home in the French countryside will have different design aspects than an apartment in a bustling city. Go figure.
"I think it’s very important to keep your roots, the authenticity, have a strong message, and making the link between the past and the present."
Anne Carminati
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Chaise Lounge Updates We just wrapped our latest season of Coast to Coast Design, with Garrison Hullinger and new co-host Lisa Davenport! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.Also check out our pair of hiatus episodes where Garrison and Lisa talk a little about these modern times.
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
A well-designed space should not merely satisfy a basic need, but should do so artfully and thoughtfully. This is one philosophy of Todd Ezrin, founder and principal of TOBE Design Group, and today's guest joining Nick May on The Chaise Lounge. But that's not his only philosophy: “I was raised in a family to do philanthropic efforts no matter how small it is.” Todd took architecture in high school, and later started his career in a small multifamily design firm - where he learned much of what he uses today. Since then he's founded and grown TOBE to do both multifamily and residential, tackling all of the difficulties of running such a complicated business on a day-to-day basis. And of course, we hear a little about how he and his firm are responding to these trying times.
No matter what type of project it is - let's focus on the experience. And the experience of working with us.
Todd Ezrin
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Chaise Lounge Updates We just wrapped our latest season of Coast to Coast Design, with Garrison Hullinger and new co-host Lisa Davenport! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business. Also check out our pair of hiatus episodes where Garrison and Lisa talk a little about these modern times.
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Much like art, another crucial element of interior design - and living - is furniture. It fills the volume and contributes to our perception of a space, and we interact with furniture in all manner of casual and personal ways. Today on The Chaise Lounge, Nick is joined by Keith Fritz (of Keith Fritz Fine Furniture) and dives deep into the world of fine, bespoke furniture.
The son of a carpenter, Keith was raised in Indiana and taught to respect the value of making your own way and making your own sundries. A jack of all trades who advocates for more bespoke, more personal furniture - Keith has even done custom design work for the Clintons. And he and Nick share an interesting, unique piece of history.
We're very lucky to have a group of clients who want American craftmanship, and want art, and want something that's one of a kind.
bespoke fine furniture maker Keith Fritz
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Chaise Lounge Updates We just wrapped our latest season of Coast to Coast Design, with Garrison Hullinger and new co-host Lisa Davenport! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business. Also check out our pair of hiatus episodes where Garrison and Lisa talk a little about these modern times.
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Come, join us on The Chaise Lounge for a whirlwind tour around the mile high metro. Local experts and today's tour guides Nick May and Katie Schroder know all the hot spots, and certainly know for sure where specific areas of the city are after having lived here for so, so long.
But seriously folks.
Katie owns Atelier Interior Design here in Denver, has been featured numerours times in 5280 Home and Luxe, and brings a wonderful energy to the show. As we come to something of a middle during the ongoing pandemic, Nick and Katie talk about how things have changed and what comes next as businesses pivot to new modes of operation. Plus, marketing!
I would say I'm a little technology reluctant. I'm not afraid to delve into it ... but it's not my first choice. I'd rather be with a client, have them touch and feel things. But I'm really having to step my technology game up big-time.
Atelier Interior Design owner and interior designer Katie Schroder
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Chaise Lounge Updates We just wrapped our latest season of Coast to Coast Design, with Garrison Hullinger and new co-host Lisa Davenport! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business. And stay tuned for a special episode or two during our hiatus.
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Bit of a shorter one today, as Nick invites Pauline Findlay and Rebecca Senior onto The Chaise Lounge. The founder and director, respectively, of Artioli Findlay, Pauline and Rebecca are something of a departure from our usual business of design discussion. So join us for a brief sojourn into the world of art, and learn a little about what it's like to source and provide art pieces for interior designers - as well as a little about their world in general. Chaise Lounge Updates We just wrapped our latest season of Coast to Coast Design, with Garrison Hullinger and new co-host Lisa Davenport! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business. And stay tuned for a special episode or two during our hiatus.
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Upcoming Markets High Point Market | October 12-14
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Every new story is just more proof that designers are born early, and can take any path. Our dear host Nick May sits down on The Chaise Lounge today with Christopher Todd Hall. It bears mentioning that Christopher Todd Design is not only a national, full-scale interior design firm, but also a fine gifts location you can visit in Las Vegas, Nevada! (Henderson, to be be exact.)
As a child, Christopher put on an art show every 4th of July called "Sparks Specacular", and would later in his teens get paid to help his neighbors put up their Christmas decorations. (You can see where this is going.) Floral design ended up being his ticket into bigger and better, working with the MGM Grand and the Academy Awards. And he and Nick both agree that COVID has presented an unfortunate, though unique, opportunity to focus on all the little behind-the-scenes things that can get lost during the normal day-to-day.
I feel like if you are a good designer, it's a vision that you're born with. You just have that Midas touch. Even with accessorizing, you just know how to do it.
interior, event and floral designer Christopher Todd Hall
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Chaise Lounge Updates We just wrapped our latest season of Coast to Coast Design, with Garrison Hullinger and new co-host Lisa Davenport! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business. And stay tuned for a special episode or two during our hiatus.
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
And now for something completely different. Again!
We were thrilled when our good friend Neil MacKenzie from Universal Furniture reached out to Nick about leading a virtual Market panel in lieu of our usual on-site pow-wow. Nick naturally accepted, so we thought why not just make that friendly Zoom call an episode of The Chaise Lounge?
Bear with us on the audio quality this time around. We promise the conversation more than makes up for it. Conversation from Courtney Pisarik (Ink Public Relations), Breegan Jane (interior designer, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"), Kristine Paige (Jackson Paige, this season of The Chaise Lounge), and Michael Habacy (Habachy Designs) - on the subject of modern digital methods of marketing vs. traditional, print media.
Spoiler alert: It turns out that everything has its place and its value! Chaise Lounge Updates We just wrapped our latest season of Coast to Coast Design, with Garrison Hullinger and new co-host Lisa Davenport! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Sometimes it feels like the list of things that can just tear through a business is neverending. Right now we're feeling the effects of one in particular - and while we've have all gone through plenty, our guest this episode has been through something that, literally, tore through her business. Not many can say that.
Please welcome Mel Bean of Mel Bean Interiors. Mel joins Nick on The Chaise Lounge to talk about her unique journey to interior design. A pre-med major who found her passion in design ("this is where I should be"), Mel gained her knowledge through college internships and no small amount of hard work. She's inspired by nature, a practiced team builder, and has a thing or two to say about one of our favorite subjects: digital marketing.
Most importantly, she celebrates when we all try to help each other out as a community of peers. Sharing our experiences and our lessons. After all, a rising tide lifts all boats.
I do think that, in some cases, there is this competitive "guard your paper", "don't share experiences" - and I just don't think that benefits our profession as a whole. I just think that we can support each other as people. As designers.
interior designer Mel Bean
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Chaise Lounge Updates We just wrapped our latest season of Coast to Coast Design, with Garrison Hullinger and new co-host Lisa Davenport! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
This week’s episode goes all over the place, as Nick is joined by Anthony Carrino, man of many talents. A developer and designer who’s had several shows on HGTV (Kitchen Cousins, et al.), a digital series for Ellen (The Build Up), and his own YouTube series (TheBuild.tv) – Anthony’s also been rolling up his sleeves and picking up his own paintbrush lately, something you can see for yourself on that YouTube series we just mentioned. His story on getting into television, why he moved away from television (pay attention), and how to build a brand and market yourself through video and storytelling – well, there couldn’t be a better time to talk about exactly that. Plus some lessons learned during the process. Also - something about the importance of good quality audio? Being in podcasts, we couldn't agree more.
You wanna be able to deliver on your quality and you're only as good as your last project. So I tend to do less work and just be methodical about it, so that I can deliver each and every time.
interior designer and developer Anthony Carrino of HGTV and TheBuild.tv
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Chaise Lounge Updates We just wrapped on our most recent season of Coast to Coast Design, with Garrison Hullinger and new co-host Lisa Davenport! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
And now for something completely different.
On this episode, we have not one - not two - but five guests joining our beloved Nick May on The Chaise Lounge! What better time than this critical, extremely present moment, to connect as a community and talk about how the crisis is affecting each and every one of us, professionally and personally. Our assembled panel does not only that, but also shares their insights for how they've learned to navigate these trying times, and pivot where necessary.
All with a unanimous, enthusiastic sense of optimism.
So who do we have? None other than iMay Media's own Garrison Hullinger (Coast to Coast Podcast / Garrison Hullinger Interior Design), Courtney Pisarik (Ink Public Relations), John McClain (John McClain Design), Sara Barney (BANDD Design), and - an incredible recent guest on this season of the show - Megan Winters (Megan Winters Design).
Lots of discussion about dedicating more attention to specific projects, learning to work remotely, managing teams in crisis - and Nick's run-in with the cops!
I don't want any client having to wonder. I sent an email immediately out to clients ... letting them know that maybe we don't know all the answers right now ... but we are monitoring it daily. We are monitoring your project ... and we are going to stay in communication with you.
interior designer John McClain
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Chaise Lounge Updates A new season of Coast to Coast Design is live, with Garrison Hullinger and new co-host Lisa Davenport! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Commercial interior design and residential interior design, two different beasts with at least two different approaches. Tackling more than one takes courage and finesse, as this week's guest Nicola Manganello can attest. Nicola heads Nicola's Home, and joins Nick on The Chaise Lounge to tell us her story - one that seems destined to have always led to a life in professional design - and her latest ambition.
The daughter of a restaurateur (a whole other kind of entrepreneurial crazy), Nicola would often peek through the windows of houses on her way to and from school as a kid. She never had a chance.
Learn more about Nicola Manganello and Nicola's Home at NicolasHome.com and follow @nicolashome on Instagram.
In about two years, we doubled in size. It just happened fast ... if you don’t do it right, it can be very painful. So, we’re recalibrating.
residential and commercial interior designer Nicola Manganello
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Chaise Lounge Updates A new season of Coast to Coast Design is live, with Garrison Hullinger and new co-host Lisa Davenport! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
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Upcoming Markets HDExpo | Cancelled for 2020 season
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High Point Market | October 17-21
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Isn't partnership great? Having someone to help carry the load, someone who always knows what you're going through. To complement your strengths and weaknesses. Someone who has your back? On today's episode of The Chaise Lounge, Nick sits down with Andrea Martoccia and Richard Fava of Motivo Home (serving south and central Florida).
A married couple with three children, Andrea and Richard bring a delightful energy to the show - and tell us all about how they met, live, work together, and got started in design. Even better, they're regular Chaise Lounge listeners and surprise even Nick with their knowledge of his own life and trivia. Guess he'll have to change things up a little to keep them on their toes!
Learn more about Andrea Martoccia, Richard Fava and their company Motivo Home Design at MotivoHome.com and follow @motivohome on Instagram.
We have learned to really shut down and give each section and element of our life the right time and the right focus. We can’t be around our children talking about work - where we're doing ourselves a disservice and we're hurting the kids. So we have learned over time to better at that.
designer Richard Fava (with Andrea Martoccia) of Motive Home Design
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Chaise Lounge Updates A new season of Coast to Coast Design is live, with Garrison Hullinger and new co-host Lisa Davenport! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
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Upcoming Markets HDExpo | Cancelled for 2020 season
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High Point Market | October 17-21 (Updated)
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Nick May, our host and tour guide through the world of the business of design, has drawn a hard line in the sand. The Chaise Lounge is a place of rest. Of respite. While we recognize that our friends, and our peers, and the world at large are all going through a time of heightened challenge and stress - this is a place to come together and talk about our shared passion. Insights and challenges both creative and professional.We're thrilled to welcome Matthew Quinn to the show this week. A kitchen and bath expert, published author of his own book series "Quintessential Kitchens", and the owner of Design Galleria in Atlanta, Matthew's path to design is one we've never quite heard before. It really goes to show how important (and possible) it is to make a change and go your own way. Groomed to be a doctor and armed with a degree in chemistry from the University of Florida, Matthew worked hard to find his true calling. Then he worked even harder to make it his own. You have to hear this one.Learn more about Matthew Quinn and Design Galleria at Matthew-Quinn.com and Design-Galleria.net. Be sure to follow @designgalleriakitchenandbath on Instagram also!
The last few weeks - during this whole virus situation when everyone's on lockdown - the amount of emails and texts I'm getting from clients saying "I've never, ever spent this much time in my kitchen. My entire family's in this room and it's just working like a workhorse ... we loved it before, we love it even more now".
Kitchen and Bath Designer, and "Quintessential Kitchens" Author Matthew Quinn
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
We're always excited to introduce our guests, but have to admit that today's guest shines a light into corners we don't always explore in detail. That's right, in this episode of The Chaise Lounge we have none other than Kevin Kolanowski joining your host Nick May. Kevin is the founder of Fuse Lighting, a luxury lighting company that's equal parts a solution to an under-served space - and an excuse to let loose with myriad materials and dynamic design. Their fixtures really are something.
Originally from Chicago but never feeling particularly traditional, Kevin initially made his way out to California in 1985 - thinking "the west coast was a little more avant-garde". He talks about his time as an interior designer and his eventual transition to lighting manufacture, and then gives us a healthy education on the materials he uses in his fixtures. And, as always, Nick manages to mix in some fun potpourri questions.
Learn more about Kevin Kolanowski and Fuse Lighting at FuseLighting.com and follow @fuselighting on Instagram.
I think the answer is the same for every single designer. I think it’s travel. I think its nature ... you never know where it comes from ... it just comes from the air.
Fuse Lighting founder Kevin Kolanowski
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
As often happens when two business-minded creatives (or is that creative-minded entrepreneurs) get together to talk shop, you get a conversation chock-full-of unparalleled professional insights. Joining Nick May on this episode of The Chaise Lounge is Marie Flanigan of Marie Flanigan Interiors (MFI). With an MBA from the University of Houston, Marie brings a keen sense of marketing to her work (winning her first big client from a GoogleAd), which always piques Nick's interest!In addition to her incredible and distinguished designs seen in homes and commercial spaces alike, Marie has also appeared as lead designer for #TeamJonathan on a season 5 episode of HGTV's" Brother vs. Brother". As a creative, a professional, a mother, and an all-around unique human person - Marie and MFI believe that "homes should reflect the people who live, work, and play within". A sentiment that rings especially true right now, as we all spend more and more time at home.Learn more about Marie Flanigan and Marie Flanigan Interiors at MarieFlanigan.com and follow @marieflaniganinteriors on Instagram.
Everybody has so much creative potential and I think if you just ... get stuck in what everybody else is doing without ever ... taking a step back on what truly makes you happy and what inspires you - I think there’s so many possibilities out there that sometimes people don’t see.
Houston-based interior designer Marie Flanigan
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
This week we have another episode from the "before" time, as well as an installment in our Guest Series. Nick May invited Stacy Garcia of Stacy Garcia Inc. onto The Chaise Lounge to bring her unique, creative voice and interview a guest of her own. Stacy's guest is none other than Deborah Lloyd Forrest, President and Founder of ForrestPerkins (a distinguished design studio of global architecture firm Perkins Eastman) and longtime hospitality designer.Stacy and Deborah's conversation covers a variety of topics, ranging from: how to define luxury, the importance of originality, and getting involved in the design process as early as possible. They also stress the importance of giving back to the design community, mentoring and getting involved with education and investing in the next generation of design professionals whenever possible.We couldn't agree more.Learn more about Stacy Garcia and Stacy Garcia, Inc. at MeganWinters.com and follow @stacygarciainc on Instagram.Learn more about Deborah Lloyd Forrest and Forrest Perkins at ForrestPerkins.com and follow @forrestperkins_design on Instagram.
"I would rather lose a project by telling somebody what is actually possible than get a project and have everybody disappointed - because it can't be accomplished in the time or for the money that the owner thought [they] wanted to spend."
Deborah Lloyd Forrest, President and Founder of ForrestPerkins design studio
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Recorded way, way back in a simpler time of January 2020, Nick May spoke with Chicago-based interior designer Megan Winters of Megan Winters Design. A firm believer in getting things done, and finding a solution for every problem - Megan came to the world of design by way of numbers (with an MBA from the University of Chicago) and printing, growing the high-end firm she founded into a "global packaging powerhouse".In a time where things are uncertain, and we're worried about ourselves and our loved ones, Megan's response to her own cancer diagnosis ("I'm not dying") serves as a powerful reminder that we can choose how to meet each day. For this, she recommends prioritizing her life before interior design, and a balanced and passionate approach to work that brings you joy.Learn more about Megan Winters and Megan Winters Design at MeganWinters.com and follow @meganwintersdesign on Instagram
My commitment to my clients is I can figure it out. I will find a solution for anything. I will not bring you problems. I will bring you solutions. I will not guarantee that stuff won’t happen because of course it will... ‘Here’s some options... on how to resolve the situation’
Chicago-based Interior Designer Megan Winters
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Chaise Lounge Updates A new season of Coast to Coast Design is live, with Garrison Hullinger and new co-host Lisa Davenport! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
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Resources See what our sponsors can do for you. Upcoming Markets HDExpo | Cancelled for 2020 seasonICFF | Cancelled for 2020 seasonHigh Point Market | June 12-14
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
In this episode, recorded early March 2020, The Chaise Lounge podcast producer—a professional painting contractor—Nick May checks in on the West Coast with Los Angeles-based interior designer Kristine Paige, principal at Jackson Paige Interiors.
Listen in as Nick and Kristine get down to basics on choosing careers, paint colors, subcontractors, and the logistics of cross-country creative collaboration. Interior Design: Where Creative and Analytic Skills Meet “My favorite thing about interior design is the flexibility it gives me to be a creative person and a very analytical person,” says Kristine, a former actor and film industry insider. “I live between the two, so for me, it’s very rewarding.”
Her least favorite part (we know our fellow entrepreneurs can relate): the general pressures of having your own business. Everything falls to you. It All Starts with Color In Spring 2020, Kristine was named an official brand ambassador for Benjamin Moore—the maker of her favorite interior and exterior paint colors—and part of the paint manufacturer’s new Design P.O.V. series. "Our designs are built around color,” says the designer. Her current favorites come from Benjamin Moore’s Century line, “It’s like velvet.” 4 Favorite Paint Colors:
Benjamin Moore Classic Gray 1548
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154
Benjamin Moore Chestnut 2082-10
Benjamin Moore Century Paint Color Viridian O6
Choosing the Right Painting Contractor As important as the paint product itself is the application.
So when choosing contractors, Kristine recommends having at least three experts on speed dial:
A highly specialized painter experienced in lime work or lacquer finishes, who works in close collaboration with the general contractor to make sure that the walls surfaces are perfect An unfailingly reliable general paint contractor for walls, baseboards, trim, and ceiling And an specialty exterior painter
For every job, the final choice all boils down to trust.
“It’s the person I know I’m going to get the least number of headaches from—someone I can depend on to do the job and they are not going to change out my paint to color match it with another paint. That’s the worst,” says Kristine.
“I’ve gone around to job sites and said, ‘I want to see the cans. Show me the cans,’” she confesses. “And if it’s not the paint I specified, I say, ‘Change it. Start over.’”
A great tip from Nick: Have the paint contractor list the paint brands and colors by name and number directly on their signed schedules and contracts. That way, you know the materials that are being paid for are the materials you will get. Budgeting in Outdoor Spaces After weeks, or months, of feeling sequestered in our homes, we’re going to be ready to move outdoors.
“Here in California, rooms all open up to the outside,” Kristine explains. “So if you don’t do your outside spaces, the interior design feels very incomplete.”
Make the indoor-outdoor connection plain right at the first budget meeting, Kristine says, or will end up feeling like they are getting hit up with an “add-on” at the tail end of a project, when they have already make a big investment and are running out of money and enthusiasm.
Kristine’s advice: “You have to explain to your clients, right at the beginning, ‘This is what you’re seeing from the indoors spaces, and when you’re outside, and this is how they coordinate.’” Tips on Working Remotely As a California-based designer with jobs as far East as Westchester County, New York, Kristine has a head start on the rest of us when it comes to the tricks of #wfh and the virtual commute.
“I have found it super easy in the design stage,” says Kristine, who routinely attends weekly client or project meetings via Skype or Facetime. “I fly out as needed and have a certain number of site visits built into the contract. I’ve never had any problems.”
Jackson Paige sends all furnishings to a receive...
How are our interior design business colleagues and friends in New York City faring through all this craziness? That’s the first question host Nick May asks our guest Kammi Reiss, founder and president of Manhattan-based Kammi Reiss Design, in this episode of The Chaise Lounge podcast.
“So far, I think we are doing well. People are keeping their distance and staying in. So far, I think we’re really coming together. We’ve done that a number of times through the years—too many times here in the City—but we’re really good at it. We all need to get on board and keep each other safe.”
As avid travelers, all of us in the interior design community are eager to get back moving and coming together at shows and events around the world—but for now #NO_FOMO because we are ALL in this together. We are still, always, privileged to be connected to you here in The Chaise Lounge. We deeply appreciate your joining us here to listen and learn from each other. Until we meet again, we invite you to follow us on on Instagram (@thechaiselounge) and be part of the conversation…and solution. Kammi Reiss Q & A Interior designer Kammi Reiss grew up in Potomac, Maryland, a picturesque “ride your bike to school” kind of suburb of Washington, D.C. She spent summer vacations on the Delaware beaches, and cherishes the memory of being given a dollar to go up on the boardwalk and get French fries and play pinball. Her weeks on the beach were filled with “good old-fashioned fun,” like charades at night and lots of soft ice cream. The kind of diversions—like playing flashlight tag and chasing fireflies—that Nick remembers as “good kid fun.” What’s Your Favorite Neighborhood Restaurant? Kammi’s husband, who has MS, deals with the symptoms of fatigue: “So the idea of cooking and being at home all the time…we have got this down,” says Kammi, laughing. “We’re already experts at it. “We mostly stay home and I cook,” she continues, “but when we do go out there’s a great neighborhood spot across the street from us. During the day it’s sort of a grab-and-go spot. But in the evenings, it turns into a nightspot with great burgers and wings. It’s called Night Shift and we love to spend time there. They also make some really good cocktails.” What’s the last thing you bought for your house?
“Fresh flowers. I feel it’s really important to have things that are living and bring color. I have a muted palette and flowers are the perfect way to bring color and seasonal accents into the home. “The place that I think does the most beautiful job of that is in Paris, at the George V: They’ve got a big entry table that is overflowing with flowers. And they change it regularly. Every time, it is a feast for the eyes.”
Favorite Fashion Accessory: Jewelry that Tells a Story
“I have one necklace that I don’t ever take off. It’s called ‘Eleven Wishes.’ It’s made by my friend Melissa, whose company is called Devon Woodhill. It’s tiny little diamond drops on a necklace. I was married on November 11th—the eleventh day of the eleventh month—and it reminds me of that. Subsequently, I got one for each of my daughters, my sister, and my mom and we all wear them. So it tells a story and reminds me of what is important to me.”
Beer, Wine, or Cocktail?
“Any cocktail with tequila in it. Preferably spicy. Maybe a Paloma, some grapefruit and a little bit of jalepeno muddled in there.”
When Did the Interior Design Bug Bite?
“My tendencies date way, way back. To my parents’ dismay. “I was probably 11 years old. For the holidays, all I wanted were these Marimekko comforters. My mother couldn’t wrap her head around the idea that that would be something that she should get me as a gift. But I begged and pleaded. They are still in my mother’s house to this day. They look like Matisse cutouts and I was so drawn to them. “I wanted my room to be almost like a Matisse collage would be. I convinced my parents to let me get rid of all my furniture except my beds.
In this special guest-hosted episode of The Chaise Lounge podcast, we find ourselves in the excellent company of bespoke furniture designer Bruce Andrews Macdonald, founder of Bruce Andrews Design, and interior designer Sarah Eilers, of the award-winning Lucas/Eilers Design Associates, based in Sarah’s hometown of Houston, Texas.We hope you’ll enjoy this frank conversation between Bruce and Sarah—two industry leaders who have built successful careers making their clients’ investments in their homes pay off in long-term beauty, pleasure, and comfort. “I want to thank Nick May of The Chaise Lounge podcast to have this opportunity to create a luxury podcast and discuss the situation in our world,” says Bruce. “I positively believe that we will all be looking at a new world going forward, but I think it’s going to be a world in which we all feel more connected in and more appreciative of, once we realize what we need to do—together.”Redefining Luxury Interior Design and What It Means TodayLuxury interiors require “a curated look—it’s not one-stop shopping and you can’t do it overnight,” emphasizes Sarah. From concept to completion, her new-construction projects evolved over a period of about two years of planning, purchasing, and implementation.Here’s how these pros keep their big projects on track:Every Project Starts with Plan, a Budget, and a StoryAs Coco Chanel said, Bruce points out, “Fashion changes, but style endures.”At the end of the day, he says, luxury is sustainable because you’re not throwing anything away—you’re keeping something over time. “I’ve seen too many people thinking that luxury means that you can change things out and perpetuate newness. But luxury to me is that endurance of time—and really beautiful fabric.”Sarah agrees: “I’ve never met a mohair or linen velvet that I didn’t love. Mohair wears like iron. And there’s nothing prettier than a linen velvet and it lasts a very long time.”Collecting vs. Hoarding : Shop with a ListKeeping a warehouse or storage unit full of furniture, antiques, art, and accessories can pose a strong temptation for interior designers who love to shop. (And let’s be honest, what interior designer doesn’t love to shop?)But Sarah advises shopping for your project with a list.“I don’t like to keep an inventory or warehouse of things,” says Sarah. “It’s expensive!” She’d rather buy especially for a targeted project than stockpile merchandise in a storage room, where you can lose sight of what you have. Think twice before you buy for an imaginary client, or you risk creating cookie-cutter interiors or harboring hundreds of square feet of design materials that simply won’t work for multiple clients who have diverse tastes and personalities.When Shopping Online, Look for Dealers You KnowSarah loves to travel and finds treasures at places ranging from the Houston Design Center to the Roundtop Antiques Show to Paris’s famed Marches aux Puces.“Online sources like 1stdibs and Chairish are great resources for designers,” says Sarah. “But I’m always comforted when I see a dealer online that I know, so I can already trust what the quality is going to be.”Bottom line: The more homework you do before you buy, the less worried you will be that the product you purchase online won’t measure up to your clients’ expectations.If It’s Not Easy to Live With, It’s Not a “Luxury” “My mom used to tell me, ‘You don’t have to put out everything you own,’” says Sarah, whose meticulously tailored interiors are known for their individuality and comfort as well as their elegant restraint.“I grew up with parents who were collectors of English and American furniture, art, accessories, and I was raised living with these things, and not creating a museum interior,” she says.It Pays to Be PracticalRemember: As a designer of luxury interiors, you’re not focusing exclusively on bells and whistles.There are practical questions that need to get asked, too. Will there be children or pets?
Interior design is all about change—usually for the better.But what happens when obstacles present themselves, as they sometimes will, that require a design business to slowly or abruptly pivot? That’s what host Nick May and interior designer Wendy Yates—founder of Frisco, Colorado-based Abigail-Elise Design Studio—talk about in this honest, open-hearted episode of The Chaise Lounge podcast. Please join us! And let us know how you go about maintaining relationships, growing new business, and, yes, pivoting when fate throws you a curveball. We’d love to hear from you. The Launch: False Starts and Big HeartsWendy Yates, a native of Honolulu, Hawaii, has demonstrated her gutsy approach to the design business (and life in general) since her high school graduation in 1995, when she bucked the four-year college tradition, got a job, and started studies at her local community college. “What I knew about design as a high school student was what I knew from watching shows on HGTV,” says Wendy. “It didn’t seem super-accessible.” So, instead of studying design, she majored in art history, then theater, and then thought about being a physical therapist. “After two years, I dropped out and started a design business.” She’d moved to a small town in Colorado as a high-school junior, “met a boy,” and worked hard to make a life in a small town where there was really no money to be made as a designer. “But, thankfully, I had connections in Hawaii and some people who were willing to help me. And the ability to fly over there and stay there for a couple of months at a time.”The First Big Break“I was fortunate enough to have a developer in Hawaii take a chance on me and let me do a model home for him,” says Wendy. “So I would make my money there, and then come back and live in my small town in Colorado.” She convinced a local newspaper to do a story on her business and put a sign in her front yard advertising her fledgling design enterprise, but the only job leads that came of it were $10 an hour wallpaper hanging jobs or solicitations to decorate rooms for kids. “I had no credibility because I hadn’t gone to school,” Wendy admits. But she had natural talent and a work ethic that brought new opportunities. It was time to pivot.A Career Develops: First Job, First SuccessCommuting back and forth to the Big Island, Wendy worked closely with the residential and commercial developer who’d taken a chance on her. “He would have me do the model-home work,” Wendy recalls. “I’d go with him and his wife to the San Francisco Design Center, where we would pretty much do all the furnishing selections for the model homes. But all the fixed finishes—tile, lighting, flooring, cabinetry, everything from the ground up—we would do in Honolulu.Looking back, Wendy feels both gratitude and amazement at the latitude her mentors gave her to make selections for their properties. “I remember being surprised myself at how great my first model home turned out. I was like, I love it! I was 22 and super green,” she continues. “I had no knowledge of even fixed finishes. For me, design was décor—that’s how I understood it, not being trained. But I had organic natural ability and visualization.” Silencing Your Inner Critic“I could always visualize a space from a floor plan. I would see it in a 3D way. So I think that creative side of my brain is what gave me the leg up in being able to pull off something like that without any training,” says Wendy. After her first big project was complete and successfully sold throughout the development, she gained confidence in her design ability. But the “imposter syndrome” reared its head on occasion. After every job, she asked herself: Can I keep doing this thing? Is the next project going to be as great as this one? How am I going to get clients beyond this one person?If you’re a self-taught designer, chances are you’ve dealt with the same insecurities from time to time. But remember: On-the-job training is real training.
Today on The Chaise Lounge podcast, host Nick May catches up with his good friend and fellow cheerleader for the interior design trade, Amy Flurry. For listeners who have not yet met this multitalented Athens, Georgia-based communications specialist, allow us to introduce you:
Amy is an editor/brand consultant/author/speaker/artist/founder and publisher of her own to-the-design-trade magazine, as well as a partner in Aloka, a new, sustainably produced home-textile design company with its home base in the Cisco showroom, in High Point, North Carolina.
Today in the Lounge, Nick focuses on Amy’s role as a trusted media design brand advisor and communications pro, who helps designers understand what “getting press” looks like now. Creativity, Communications, Collaboration and Commerce: Navigating the New Media Frontier Amy was one of the first design industry insiders to encourage design entrepreneurs to take their creative business’s success into their own hands via DIY PR. In fact, she wrote the book about it: After more than a decade of sitting on the editorial side of the fashion/design/art and culture desk, Amy released her first book, Recipe for Press, in 2011, and followed up with a book especially for designers, Recipe for Press: Designer Edition, in 2018.
A lot has changed since then.
“We’ve expanded and we have all these new tools,” says Amy, pointing to print publications, online pinboards, multiple social media platforms, digital magazines, newsletters, video, and on and on and on. “But now, people are going to see it contract. And they’re going to use these tools in a very focused way. We’re going to get choosy about what we listen to.” How to Get Your Interior Design Business Noticed Now The way we connect creativity and commerce continues to evolve, says Amy, and it pays to keep pace with all the new ways to communicate your story.
The fundamentals have not changed:
Relationships Good photography A focused idea Being quick to respond to media requests And having the discipline to follow up and stay on message
“There are different models now. Everybody’s an expert and everything, but how much of that will last?” asks Amy. “The things that will last will be the things that people really put the that time, heart, and creativity in to be truly engaging. Otherwise we keep deleting.” Who, What, Where, When, and WHY? Whose Influence Really Matters? Let’s face it: We’re all getting a little tired of looking at screens all day. We’re all being bombarded with emails, Instagram posts, and irrelevant-to-us Stories. And lots of them never get a second look or listen, no less a personal response. That’s one reason why a personal note, postcard, or a DM targeted to the right person can be more powerful. Amy Flurry’s staff at Recipe for Press spends months preparing, checking, and double-checking the author’s annual media list (updated twice a year), to make sure the contact information she provides is current and relevant in the rapidly changing interior design landscape. New to the list, the increasingly influential podcasts, including our own podcast host and producer Nick May, whose iMay Media brand was one of the first to celebrate the work lives of successful interior designers, painting contractors, manufacturers, editors, and industry allies whose stories inspire designers to take control of their media identity. “Where else can you share and tell your story and have people’s undivided attention?” Amy asks. “With the interview, you have an opportunity to deepen that relationship and start collaborating. That’s the nature of communications right now. If you really are conscious about this, you’ve probably met enough people to find a lot of common work together. And you realize, ‘Maybe I can do more with the relationships I already have.’” We’re all in business, Amy reminds us: “Connecting your story to commerce has to be done very intentionally.” What Hasn’t Changed
In 25 seasons of interviewing successful interior designers around the world, The Chaise Lounge host Nick May has heard from dozens of design professionals who steer clear of residential work in favor of commercial projects—and an equal number whose scales tip strongly in the opposite direction. One designer’s “dream client” can be another’s “nightmare.” In today’s podcast, Nick discusses the advantages and disadvantages on each side of the equation with suburban Philadelphia interior designer Joseph A. Berkowitz, founder of JAB Design Group, based in Penn Valley, Pennsylvania. Nick caught up with Joe at the designer’s office in Penn Valley, Pennsylvania, where he heads a lean but active shop that typically runs about 30 design projects at a time—some residential, some commercial. Joe accepted his first design job while he was still in high school, launched his own business straight out of college, and has never looked back—until now. The Power of Personality—and Personal Recommendations “I started my interior design business when I was a teenager, with a small job from my aunt,” says Joe. “That’s typical of how many designers get their start in this business. If you’re good enough, the client recommends you to friends, and someone else calls you.” For Joe, the phone has not stopped ringing since 1985, back when he used to present clients estimates written out by hand on yellow lined note paper. “I’ve been very lucky,” he says. “I really haven’t had any major downtime.” Running a successful interior design business over the long term, says Joe, takes three things: 1.) natural ability, 2.) personality, and 3.) business skills. “You can get a card and say ‘I’m a designer.’ It doesn’t mean you can run a business, though.” What’s Different/Same About the Business Today? “For one thing,” Joe says, laughing, “I no longer write my estimates on lined notepaper. But my office is still in my house. My wife is the office manager. And I’m getting better about being more selective about jobs.” Saying “yes” to the wrong jobs, he observes, eats up the time for the kind of work that helps your business grow. Through a conscientious marketing plan—including speaking engagements, magazine articles, and a winning appearance on HGTV design reality series Showhouse Showdown back in 2012—Joe has spread the word about JAB Design Group to a wider audience. The Dream Client: Commercial vs. Residential While some interior designers focus exclusively on either residential clients or commercial clients, Joe is a firm believer in variety. For him, it’s all about people. “I do a ton of residential work. Residential people tend to talk more to their friends than business people do, so you get passed around a lot.” One testimonial leads to another job and another and another…and, often, repeat business with the same client when they buy a new home or decide to redo. “But I do a lot of commercial work as well,” says Joe, who notes that those jobs typically move along at a faster pace with more decisive owners, making it possible to get paid faster. “In commercial work, it’s all about the schedule.” One advantage of doing both commercial and residential projects, rather than specializing: “If the residential market is starting to falter, there’s always somebody building a building or doing a spa, a dental office, or health care.” That gives JAB Design Group a bunch of different areas to pull jobs from, “which is one of the reasons I’ve never really had any downtime,” Joe explains. Goal Setting for Year-to-Year Growth Even after 35 years in the interior design business, Joe continues to sit down and set business goals for the coming year. And 2019 was his most successful year so to date. 3 Big Items on Joe’s 2020 Agenda Hire one or two new project managers “It’s a full-time job just handling the details, and a lot of that trickles down to the primary person. Sometimes that keeps us from our design work,” Joe explains.
It’s the time of the year when the fashion community debuts its fall/winter couture collections, and you can bet today’s guest in The Chaise Lounge has been watching the runways closely. As the VP of the home and interior design space for Fashion Snoops, Jaye Anna Mize is a trend watcher extraordinaire. She makes it her business to observe consumer behavior and how that translates into buying trends for home consumers and the interior designers who serve them.
Nick tracked down the nomadic trend forecaster at Maison et Objet (scenes, above)—the twice-a-year home and design trade show held in the massive Paris Nord Villepinte, France’s largest exhibition center—and asked her to give us the scoop on the latest cultural shifts and why understanding them is essential to your interior design business.
Here’s a summary of just some of what Jaye shared. What Exactly Does a Trend Forecaster Do? "At fashionsnoops.com, we look at what’s happening on a cultural level and then predict product development two years out. We also capture the pulse of what’s happening one year out, three months out, and then present time to gauge validation—very similar to a financial forecaster," Jaye explains. "More than just selling stuff, it’s all about understanding people." The Pros & Cons of “D to C” Is brick-and-mortar dead? Not so fast, says Jaye. Digital-only "direct to consumer" (aka D to C) companies are experts at marketing to the online consumer: They look great in your promo feeds, with beautiful ads, photography, and graphic design. They know how to use analytics to target you. But on the back end, it’s not always a great product.
“We’re finding—especially in the interior design space—that a lot of these products don’t hold the shelf life that a lot of traditional manufacturers and makers do,” says Jaye. “But now we’re seeing a lot of our traditional manufacturers and makers go D to C, or at least take that first step, like La-Z-Boy buying Joybird. We’ve seen people really get invested into this game. It’s exciting.”
The takeaway for interior designers: Before you buy product for your clients from a D to C company, you need to do your homework. That might mean visiting the factory or actually buying the products and testing them out yourself to see how they feel and stand up to the wear and tear of everyday life. Your interior design business's reputation could depend on it. Five Hot Trends in Interior Design We don't talk much about design trends here in the Lounge, but Nick always makes a little exception when his friend Jaye Mize comes to visit. By anticipating what your clients want, you can help them get what they need. 1.) No, We’re Not Past Pink. In the world of color, pink is the new neutral, says Jaye. Consumers have adapted the full spectrum of pinks. It's a calming color and, as an alternative to cream or beige, it sets a nice tone. Case in point: The Chaise Lounge podcast sponsor Benjamin Moore's 2020 Color of the Year, "First Light"--a soft pink that gives a room a subtle, rosy glow.
2.) More Color. More Texture. More Fun.
Trend watchers are seeing a lot more texture, prints, and color coming back into the home space. Color is key and fun—all the emerald greens and yellow golds. We’re seeing colors that resonate toward different cultures, like Scandinavian blues, Chinese reds. People are feeling traditional and saturated primary colors make people feel happy. Home consumers are feeling free to have a little fun at home, and paint color—which can be easily changed—is a great place to start. Wallpaper and printed fabrics are back in a big way, too. 3.) Sensual Textures and “Sex-Positive” Motifs Culturally, we're gravitating toward what we call playfulfulness and what trend forecasters call “sex-positive motifs” focused on health, wellness, fitness, and fun, says Jaye. The interpretations can be provocative or subtle—like just lips or a celebration of the body. In the Currey & Co.
Welcome to Season 25 of the Chaise Lounge podcast, with your host, Nick May! It’s time to talk about growing your design business, and we can’t think of a better guest to help us lead off this exciting season than Angela Harris, CEO of the creative, collaborative, and courageous Denver-based design and visual merchandising firm TRIO. If you feel like your interior design business may be caught in a rut and you’re thinking about making some changes, you will definitely want to join Nick and Angela for this conversation on the risks and rewards of rapid growth vs. business as usual. From One-Woman Show to CEO TRIO got its start in 1999, when Angela founded her own high-end interior design firm. “When we started, it was just me,” says the designer/entrepreneur. Twenty years later, her company’s client roster includes some of the country’s most familiar names in residential and commercial building and development—like Toll Brothers, Alliance, Shea Homes, Mission Viejo, and Grand Hyatt. Together, the partners envision and produce commercial hospitality projects, master plan communities, high-end housing developments and clubhouses for active 55+ adults, model homes, and sales centers—all based on meticulous market research. Doubling in Size Overnight Clearly, when it comes to business, Angela thinks big. Within the past 18 months, TRIO finalized a bold acquisition that doubled the firm in size overnight. TRIO also opened up a new West Coast design studio in San Diego, and launched new product licensing partnerships with Phillips Collection and Tile Bar. “We’re in the business of bringing beautiful, creative things to market, whether it’s spaces or products, and seeing how people react to it,” says Angela. “It’s exciting!” What’s Next? “Change is hard and it can be scary for some people,” Angela acknowledges. “But not taking risks is not a good strategy.” Together with her executive team at TRIO—which includes her husband/COO Drake Harris and business development director Carrie Firmine (who makes a cameo appearance at the end of this episode)—Angela never stops asking: Where are you going next? “You can’t get stuck in how you’ve done things in the past,” Angela says, summing up a philosophy that has landed TRIO an ever-expanding client list (the day Nick spoke with Angela, her company had 176 jobs going on—at once). TRIO was recently named to Interior Design magazine’s Top 100 Giants and has earned a place in Inc. magazine’s annual list of fastest-growing companies. “Keep watching,” says Angela. “We’re not done yet!” You can learn more about TRIO at triodesign.com and on Instagram @DesignbyTRIO
Change is hard and it can be scary for some people, but not taking risks is not a good strategy.
Angela Harris, CEO and Principal, TRIO
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Getting a home ready for market isn’t magic—it’s merchandising, and looks matter. Take it from Amy Powers C.S.P. (that stands for Certified Staging Professional), who has successfully prepared almost 100 million dollars in property listings for market since she took to “the stage” in 2007.
Intriugued by this growing interior design niche, iMay Media founder Nick May traveled to the International Association of Home Staging Professionals Conference and Expo in Nashville, Tennessee, last fall, where he met up with staging pros like Amy and talked about the art/science/and math of preparing homes for sale or rent.
In this episode, Nick welcomes Amy into The Chaise Lounge, to continue the conversation.
How she got her start: Amy turned to staging when the last recession hit her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, hard, flooding the market with foreclosed properties and precious few buyers. In a buyer’s market, says Amy, putting a property’s best face forward is essential to a faster sale or, in the case of short-term rentals (like Airbnb, Vrbo, or HomeAway), a higher rate of occupancy than the local competition.
Using staging to tell a story: Statistics say that 95% of today's home buyers and short-term renters see properties for the first time in photographs on line. Sure, they pay close attention to price. But they also expect to be wooed with picture-perfect spaces filled with beauty, luxury, comfort, Roku, and a top-notch coffeemaker. That's why, says Amy, owners need to hire designers who specialize in creating environments that appeal visually and emotionally to the property's target demographic.
A fast-paced niche: Amy's business, askforstaging.com, differs from traditional interior design in two significant ways. The first is the lightning-quick pace. And the second is the target audience: As a home stager, you are decorating with the potential buyer or renter in mind—not the particular long-term preferences of the seller (your client). "I decorate for the buyer, the house sells, and I'm done," says Amy.
Of course, as a professional painting contractor, host Nick May already knows a thing or two about the power of fresh paint to boost perceived property value—and he has some smart tips of his own to share in a conversation that covers:
the emotional and financial aspects of home staging for resale vs. short-term hospitality (there’s a big difference) Amy's handy “heads and beds” formulas for maximum short-term rental revenue and Amy’s proven strategies for coming out on the profit side of the classic supply and demand equation
This final episode of Season 24 on the Lounge is focused firmly on the financials. So grab your calculator, your color charts, join us for a cocktail—you can never go wrong with a good margarita or anything with rum, says Amy—and let’s get down to the business of design.
Cheers to you! We’ll see you again soon, as we launch Season 25 on the Chaise Lounge podcast.
I decorate for the buyer or the potential renter—not the owner or investor.
- Atlanta, Georgia-based home stager Amy Powers
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Chaise Lounge Updates Our new podcast Coast to Coast Design is live! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business. That's it for our 24th season, we hope you've enjoyed it. Stay tuned for season 25, where we're excited to roll out interviews with new guests, more interviews with guest hosts, and other exciting changes and additions!
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook,
Here’s the bottom line: It’s 2020 and if you’re not marketing your interior design business on multiple digital platforms, you’re missing out on the kind of name recognition and working relationships that come with getting your images and keywords in front of the people who can help your business grow.
The good news, says Chicago-area-based social media and blogging expert Kyla Herbes (HER-bess), is that it’s not too late to start: “I’ve heard people saying the blog is dead—but the blog is still there…and still very important part of the machine.” In this episode of the Lounge, Kyla shares with host Nick May her secrets to effective digital influencing, pinning, algorithms, analytics, keyword enrichment, and the perils of overthinking it all.
So pour yourself a glass of Prosecco (to match Kyla’s bubbly personality), grab a pen and notebook and start writing the next chapter of your interior design business today. Remember to be patient: One Kyla’s most effective social media traffic-drivers remains a post she wrote in 2014 (a step-by-step guide to marbleizing coffee mugs with nailpolish), when her House of Hipsters blog was just a hobby she indulged in when she wasn’t managing her full-time advertising career, her mid-century modern home, and two kids under 5 years old (now 10 and 7).
You’ll find it all in this inspiring episode of The Chaise Lounge. You can also catch up with Kyla at Esteem Media’s Design Influencers Conference, in San Francisco (March 1-3), where she will be spilling all her proven social media secrets—Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok.
Learn more about blogging and social media expert Kyla Herbes at House of Hipsters and on Instagram at @houseofhipstersblog.
Technology took hold as soon as the smart phone came out and our whole world flipped on end to a digital, fast-paced, immediate world.
Kyla Herbes
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Chaise Lounge Updates Our new podcast Coast to Coast Design is live! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
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Upcoming Markets Design Influencers Conference | Mar. 1-3, 2020
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ICFF | May 17-20, 2020
High Point Market | Apr. 25-29, 2020
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
There are many kinds of modern families—and just as many kinds of family businesses. In this episode, host Nick May talks with fellow Coloradan Noelle Hernandez, founder and owner of MATTER, a highly collaborative family-run residential and commercial planning and design firm based in Aspen. A native of Denver, Noelle launched her design career as a kitchen planner. Over time, her innate sense of organization, refined eye for clean, quality-focused beauty, and expertise at identifying a place for everything and situating everything in its proper place evolved into an award-winning design career focused on full-service space planning, interior architectural design, and project management. At MATTER, Noelle works in close partnership with her sister, Soraya Gallego, an expert in commercial and marine design, and her daughter, Nicole Stewart, an accomplished project manager, to design everything from high-end residential interiors to investment offices, restaurants, bank and hotel lobbies, hair salons, retail shops, and cruise ship interiors.Noelle tells Nick how the three women keep everything running smoothly—and shares her recipe for the perfect cocktail with Casamigos (shaken, not stirred)—in this inspiring episode of The Chaise Lounge. Learn more about Noelle Hernandez, her family of designers, and her work at matterinteriors.com and on Instagram at @matterinteriors.
SHOP LOCAL: "We do a lot of sourcing in Denver. Lots of people think you have to go to NY or LA, but the Denver Design Center does an excellent job."
Noelle Hernandez
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Chaise Lounge Updates Our new podcast Coast to Coast Design is live! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
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Resources See what our sponsors can do for you. Upcoming Markets Design Influencers Conference | Mar. 1-3, 2020HDExpo | May 5-7, 2020ICFF | May 17-20, 2020High Point Market | Apr. 25-29, 2020
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
This week in The Lounge, host Nick explores pizza, process, and customization vs. practical DIY packages with metro New York designer Lori Miller, founder of LGC, Inc. (fka Lori-Girl Creations), a full-service interior design firm based in suburban Long Island.
Welcome! Today in The Lounge, Nick sits down with NYC interior designer Kati Curtis. Kati founded Kati Curtis Design in 2005 after 12 years of working with international architecture and engineering firms. She is a Certified Interior Designer (CID), and a Leadership in Energy and Efficient Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP).
Welcome! This week on The Lounge, Nick spends some quality time with New York-based architect, interior designer, and vintage Rolex watch collector Neal Beckstedt, who boldly launched Neal Beckstedt Studio in 2010 in the depths of the recession, landed his first project two weeks later, appeared on Architectural Digest's "Ones to Watch" list in 2013, and has never looked back.
"Call me an architect, interior designer, a decorator—it's all about problem solving, and I love it," says Neal, whose portfolio of warm, modern interiors includes everything from intimate residences for two to a 40,000-square-foot office space for 500 employees and his own 1890s weekend house. Nick and Neal talk about how the designer keeps the lightning-paced operations at his 12-person shop running smoothly, the ONE ESSENTIAL THING every designer must invest in, the marketing tool he can't live without ("Instagram, Instagram, Instagram"), and much more on this inspiring episode of The Chaise Lounge.
So pour yourself a Casamigos on the rocks (Neal's go-to cocktail...and George Clooney's, too, of course) and find out how this Midwestern boy raised "on a farm in the middle of nowhere" found his way to the top of one of the country's most competitive design markets while maintaining his reputation as a gentleman, his integrity, and his deep affinity for all things beautiful, pure, custom, and meticulously crafted.
You can learn more about Neal and his work at Neal Beckstedt Studio (and on Instagram, at @nealbeckstedt).
We need to be constantly talking to clients and vendors and be transparent about how much work goes into achieving something to the one-eighth inch and all the many people it takes to achieve that. For me, it's 'open book.'
Neal Beckstedt
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Chaise Lounge Updates Stay in the loop on our Instagram and Facebook pages and keep an eye our for our upcoming market events! Join us on The Lounge every week and learn just how many ways there are to run a successful design business.
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Upcoming Markets KBIS 2020 | Las Vegas – Jan. 21 thru 23 The Winter Show | New York –Jan. 24 thru Feb. 22 Kips Bay Decorator Show House | Palm Beach – Feb. 2 thru Mar. 2 Design Influencers Conference – Mar. 1 thru 3
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JOIN US on THE CHAISE LOUNGE To hear more episodes, join us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! Find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Until we meet again, keep dreaming big—and keep designing YOUR great design business.
Welcome! Today in The Lounge, Nick sits down with Florida-based celebrity designer Krista Watterworth. Krista is perhaps best known for her appearances on HGTV and the Food Network but she has also achieved stellar success in Palm Beach with her all-female owned and operated design firm Krista + Home.
In this episode, Krista discusses the pathway to her success and goes deep into her design philosophy and process. She provides burgeoning designers invaluable advice for building relationships, marketing, how to succeed in an evolved retail environment, and she also shares insight on her fascinating career working with Vanilla Ice!
Welcome! Today in The Lounge, special guest host Stacy Garcia meets long-time friend and collaborator, philanthropist and resort designer extraordinaire Jacki Arena.
Jacki has made a name for herself in designing high end resorts throughout the world, and for establishing her celebrated Florida based design house Jacki Arena Interiors (JAI).
Welcome! Today in The Lounge, guest host Rachel Moriarty sits down with Artist/Designer/Musician/Host and Entrepreneur Tym De Santo.
Tym is perhaps best known for his appearances on HGTV’s Design Star, however, Tym’s skills and abilities go well beyond his Design Star persona, (interior and exterior design) to fine artist, (sculptural furniture and photography) award winning singer/songwriter as well as a run at professional ski racing and adventure skiing. The common thread here, running like top stitch on a leisure suit lapel, a passion for using his wild imagination in a creative and inspiring way in everything he does!
Welcome! Today in The Lounge, celebrity guest host, Chad James sits down with Katherine Nicholson of Peacock Alley. Chad and Katherine met at the Atlanta Spring Southeastern Showhouse years back and Chad has direct experience using Katherine’s services with Peacock Alley to attain his vision many times.
Welcome! Today in The Lounge, Nick meets the founder of Cochineal Design, Sarah Mendel, who, in just 5 short years since graduating from Parsons School of Design, has made a name for herself in the New York interior design community as a fresh and exciting designer to watch.
Brass Horse Heads
Antler Chandelier
CA. 1870'S SWEDISH GUSTAVIAN VITRINE Today on the Chaise Lounge, your host is the Antiques Diva Toma Clark Haines. Toma chats with her friend and fellow antiques dealer Margaret Schwartz of Modern Antiquarian. They discuss the behind-the-scenes life of an antique dealer, like how easy it is to get into on accident and the way dealers need to surf on economic waves to weather recession.
Margaret Schwartz started her design career working for Martha Stewart and she took everything she learned there and turned it into her own firm where she eventually hired her first and still-only employee, Kelly Maguire. And Schwartz, thanks in part to Toma’s influence, got inspired to turn the whole operation into Modern Antiquarian.
Make sure to find Margaret Schwartz online at ModernAntiquarianShop.com and on Instagram @modernantiquarian. The same goes for Toma at AntiquesDiva.com and @theantiquesdiva.
"Perfect is the enemy of good."
Maragaret Schwartz
Chaise Lounge Updates Keep an eye out for new Chaise Lounge episodes hosted by Stacy Garcia, Toma Clark Haines, Rachel Moriarty and Chad James.
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Today in The Lounge, Nick sits down with celebrated California designer Raili Clasen. Raili has a very interesting and unique background and a great story. She is self-trained but she has become a highly sought-after designer in her native Orange County.
Raili got her start in design late on. She originally trained to be a newscaster, and then she had a stint as a flight attendant before getting into the surf industry. The famed designer Mossimo was a family friend and he encouraged Raili to pursue a marketing role in the surf industry, which led to her launching the Roxy line for Quicksilver.
Today is a special day in the Chaise Lounge. Your host, today, is not Nick May but rather Stacy Garcia of Stacy Garcia, Inc. Stacy is the first of many guest hosts on the Chaise Lounge this season. In this episode, she sits down with design icon Clodagh.
Living room design by Mitchell Hill
Beach house design by Southern Studio
Dinning room by Mannarino Designs On the final episode of the Chaise Lounge’s coverage of High Point Market, Nick hosts a panel with Vicky Serany of Southern Studio, Adrian Bugg and Brandeis Short of Pillar and Peacock, Anna Maria Mannarino of Mannarino Designs and Michael Mitchell of Mitchell Hill.
These designers have seen it all and been through it all, and, in this panel, they talk about the things they had to learn on the job, whether or not they went to school for interior design where somebody should have taught them about what they would need to do in the industry.
As always, if you like what you hear from these designers, check them out on their Instagrams: @southernstudio, @pillar_and_peacock, @mannarinoannamaria and @mitchellhillcharleston. Chaise Lounge Updates Welcome to the week of High Point content! Stay in the loop for more on our Instagram and Facebook pages and keep an eye our for our upcoming market events!
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Upcoming Markets KBIS – Jan 21 - Jan 23, 2020
Atlanta Market – Jan 14 - Jan 21, 2020
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Today, High Point continues with a conversation in Nick’s Lounge Away From Home with Stacy Garcia, Sandra Funk and Laura Thurman. They talk about how they manage their time and give themselves permission to succeed in interior design whether they run one business with one brand or four. In the second half, Nick and communications guru Amy Flurry sit with a panel of designers that includes Bria Hammel, Corey Damen Jenkins and Darla Powell for a conversation about how design entrepreneurs can generate the attention they need to grow their businesses.
Patina Vie's storefront
Setting the Space's storefront
Leon & Lulu's storefront The Chaise Lounge is back from High Point Market. This week brings with it two episodes packed with everything Nick got up to in High Point. This week’s episode is one part Nick’s panel featuring successful independent retailers, Retail Isn’t Dead, and one part classic Nick in the Lounge.
Nick’s guests on the panel include Sarah Willett of Patina Vie, Mary Liz Curtin of Leon & Lulu, Anne Rainey Rokhar of Trouvaille Home and the SnobShop and Blair Hamaty from Setting the Space. Each of these business owners work in different parts of the industry and different parts of the country, but they all have something to say about how running a store works for them.
In the second portion of this episode, Nick kicks it in the Universal Designers’ Lounge with Hilary Farr from “Love It or List It,” home stager Bobbie McGrath of Successful Staging, DMc ID’s Drew McGukin and furniture designer Regan Hayes.
"If you buy an 18th century chiar, we've already stripped it down, made sure it's completely solid, we've reupholstered it, and made it so it can go straight into your house."
Anne Rainey Rokhar
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Chaise Lounge Updates Welcome to the week of High Point content! Stay in the loop for more on our Instagram and Facebook pages and keep an eye our for our upcoming market events!
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Upcoming Markets BDNY – Nov. 10 – 11, 2019
KBIS – Jan 21 – 23, 2019
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Today’s episode of the Chaise Lounge is the last of the season, and it is graced by Chris Roughan. Roughan is principal of Roughan Interiors, a high-end residential and commercial firm with offices in New York City and Greenwich, Connecticut. In today’s conversation with Nick, Roughan talks about how her company is growing more into digital marketing, how a firm can land projects all over the place and the importance of believing in your own capabilities.
Welcome to the final week of the Chaise Lounge season 23. The first designer who will usher the season into High Point weekend is Michele Plachter, principal of Michele Plachter Design in Philadelphia. Plachter tells Nick about how she uses video to market her business and they get into all the ways that business owners can stay out of legal trouble by knowing what their liabilities and responsibilities are.
Today’s episode of the Chaise Lounge is the conclusion of Nick’s adventures in Nashville at the International Association of Home Staging Professionals Conference. In this batch of interviews, Nick talks to Melissa Marro of Rave Home Staging and Redesign, a home staging business that teaches other people how to get into staging themselves and Blair Hamaty, owner of Massachusetts-based staging firm Setting the Space.
This week brings with it a two-part episode of the Chaise Lounge with guests Nick spoke to at the International Association of Home Staging Professionals Conference in Nashville. Today, three guests join Nick in the lounge: Kelly Moore, the vice president of Karastan a luxury machine-made rug brand. In addition to wool, he tells Nick, Karastan weaves rugs from fibers made out of recycled water bottles and corn. Sanja Radovanovic, the president of IAHSP Europe and a Rome-based home stager. She offers perspective about the differences between the markets European home staging professionals serve compared to American markets. Young Kim is the CEO of Washington D.C.- based Staged Interior which he founded with his wife in 2006. Kim talks about the ways Staged Interior markets and specifically the importance of digital and social media marketing.
Visit each of the guests online at Karstan.com, IAHSPEurope.com and StagedInterior.com
On the penultimate episode of the Chaise Lounge season 23, Nick talks to Tish Mills of Harmonious Living by Tish Mills. Tish tells the story of how she came up with degrees in both behavioral psychology and design and she uses both every day, and she tells Nick about the role showhouses play in her career.
On the first Chaise Lounge of October, Keia McSwain joins Nick in the studio. McSwain is the president of the Black Interior Designers Network and principal of Kimberly + Cameron Interiors.
Both of these roles are responsibilities she took up after her boss and mentor Kimberly Ward died of cancer in August 2017. Today, McSwain designs and manages projects all over the country with Kimberly + Cameron and works to build an expanding network of black members of the design community to pool and share resources.
The Black Interior Designers Network currently holds one conference per year but may expand to more as the network grows. Be on the look out for events and news at the organization's news page and on its Instagram @blackinteriordesignersnetwork.
For Keia McSwain's designs, follow the firm's Instagram @kimberlycameroninteriors.
"The man that knows everything knows that he knows nothing"
Keia McSwain on Socratic ingnorance
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Chaise Lounge Updates We'll be covering Fall High Point Market 2019! Stay in the loop on our Instagram and Facebook pages and keep an eye our for our upcoming market events! Our new podcast Coast to Coast Design is live! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
Our Events Page
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Upcoming Markets High Point Market – Oct. 19-23 2019
BDNY – Nov. 10-11, 2019
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Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Today’s Chaise Lounge showcases Miami designer Darla Powell of Darla Powell Interiors. Powell is a former Miami cop of 19 years who decided to follow her childhood compulsion to redecorate into an interior design career in 2017.
Today on the Chaise Lounge, Nick talks with two guests, the co-founders of Pillar and Peacock Adrianne Bugg and Brandeis Short.
Adrianne Bugg spent five years in finance before eventually joining up with Brandeis to start the firm. When she told her mother about it, it turns out she had saved her past sketch books for the day her daughter figured out the direction she needed.
Bugg’s direction dovetailed with Short’s. Brandeis Short majored in fine art and dance and needed to find a practical channel for those early career choices.
So in 2011, they founded Pillar and Peacock together. Today, Pillar and Peacock is a small and thriving residential and commercial design and architecture firm.
To see the work they do, visit Pillar and Peacock’s website PillarAndPeacock.com and follow the Instagram @pillar_and_peacock.
"Havana...really is a city of roamantic decay."
Adrianne Bugg
Chaise Lounge Updates We'll be covering Fall High Point Market 2019! Stay in the loop on our Instagram and Facebook pages and keep an eye our for our upcoming market events! Our new podcast Coast to Coast Design is live! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets High Point Market – Oct. 19-23 2019
BDNY – Nov. 10-11, 2019
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Today's episode of The Chaise Lounge is a double header. Nick's two guests are High Point Market's Brand Ambassador Jackie Von Tobel and New York/ California/ New Mexico designer Jonathan Berger.
Jackie Von Tobel is a designer who brands herself as colorful, classy, cool. She and Nick talk about what to look forward to at Fall High Point Market and the value of going to markets and experiencing the breadth of all the products the industry has to offer.
Jonathan Berger tells Nick about his design journey from Pasadena, California to all over the world. Berger feeds his creativity by revisiting his love for antiques at fairs all over Europe and the U.S.
Make sure to visit both these designers at their websites JackieVonTobel.com and JohnathanBergerInteriorDesign.com
If you're going to High Point Market, make sure to keep an eye out for the fuschia-shirted High Point Paparazzi and remember to get photos from them throughout Market.
Social media plays a big part in that these days, as does making regular visits to the design markets and taking part in speaking opportunities. It is vital for anyone producing signature collections to be visible at market
Jackie Von Tobel
Chaise Lounge Updates We'll be covering Fall High Point Market 2019! Stay in the loop on our Instagram and Facebook pages and keep an eye our for our upcoming market events! Our new podcast Coast to Coast Design is live! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets High Point Market – Oct. 19-23 2019
BDNY – Nov. 10-11, 2019
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Today on the Chaise Lounge, Nick is joined, for the first time, in the studio by Denver designer Andrea Schumacher, the principal of Andrea Schumacher Interiors.
Schumacher talks about her transition from fashion to interiors, expanding out to Santa Barbara and her plans
Today on the Chaise Lounge, Michigan designer Carrie Long joins Nick to discuss working with a baby, hidden doors and everything good design can do for a person’s life.
Today's episode of the Chaise Lounge is coming from inside the house. The director of digital marketing for iMay Media, the company behind this podcast, Tyler LaChapelle joins Nick to talk about the finer points of digital marketing. This episode is less about how one person found success in design and more about tools that any business owner can use to pursue success.
To see what some of these lessons look like in practice, visit Nick's painting website WallsByDesign.com
"Digital marketing is pretty much anything that's outside of traditional marketing... anything that's connected to the internet is what I handle."
Tyler LaChapelle
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Chaise Lounge Updates We'll be covering Fall High Point Market 2019! Stay in the loop on our Instagram and Facebook pages and keep an eye our for our upcoming market events! Our new podcast Coast to Coast Design is live! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets High Point Market – Oct. 19-23 2019
BDNY – Nov. 10-11, 2019
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Today on the Chaise Lounge, Nick welcomes Karen B. Wolf, principal of Karen B. Wolf Interiors to the show. Wolf fell in love with art as a child but only found it as a career after years in marketing. Now she combines both skill sets in her business.
Wolf started her career double majoring in marketing and fine arts. She remained interested in design but followed the marketing path beyond undergrad because there seemed like a greater and more stable demand for marketing. She worked in marketing for years, even managing a company’s QVC-handling arm. But eventually she went to Parsons School of Design at night to get certified in interior design so she could get back into more tactile arts.
She learned everything she needed and got started, founding Karen B. Wolf Interiors in 2009. Since then, Karen B. Wolf Interiors has become a small but thriving company with an eye on changing trends.
Wolf believes that interior designers need to market their businesses by leading their marketing with a strong visual element. She says Instagram is more important for hooking clients than the website is because potential clients will filter through the Instagram to the website.
To see what that looks like, you can find Karen B. Wolf Interiors @KarenBWolfInteriors and then visit the website KBWInteriors.co
They go to Instagram first. And then they go to your website.
Karen B. Wolf
Chaise Lounge Updates We'll be covering Fall High Point Market 2019! Stay in the loop on our Instagram and Facebook pages and keep an eye our for our upcoming market events! Our new podcast Coast to Coast Design is live! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets High Point Market – Oct. 19-23 2019
BDNY – Nov. 10-11, 2019
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Welcome back to the Chaise Lounge. Today, Nick returns with Nancy Charbonneau, a Texas-based designer who runs Charbonneau Interiors, a boutique design firm that specializes in bespoke designs.
Charbonneau started college for fashion design, but, when she was visiting home, her now-mother-in-law had hired a designer, and Charbonneau got to see what the interior design looks like, and she wanted to work in that situation, so she set herself on the path to where she is today. Designing interiors.
The next step for Charbonneau Interiors is bringing on a marketing director to take the lead on turning all the work the team does into attention and strengthing the brand.
Right now, you can check out Charbonneau Interiors at the website CharbonneauInteriors.com and follow on Instagram @charbonneauinteriors to follow the businesses expanding digital marketing.
I remember one of the last days of my internship, they were collecting aluminum cans so they could buy stamps... Can you believe I started by own business after that?
Nancy Charbonneau
Chaise Lounge Updates We'll be covering Fall High Point Market 2019! Stay in the loop on our Instagram and Facebook pages and keep an eye our for our upcoming market events! Our new podcast Coast to Coast Design is live! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets High Point Market – Oct. 19-23 2019
BDNY – Nov. 10-11, 2019
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Today on the Chaise Lounge, Nick joins Victoria Sanchez in a conversation about knowing your worth, charging for services and how it gets easier with practice.
On this new week of the Chaise Lounge, Nick talks with John McClain of John McClain Design about passion, the power of marketing by being on TV and the value retail locations can add to a design business.
Today on the Chaise Lounge, Nick welcomes Lisa Davenport to the show. Davenport is the principal of Lisa Davenport Designs. After realizing she wasn’t cut out to work a graphic design job in a cubicle, she took a job at a paint store where one client appreciated her color recommendation to heart and wanted more even more interior design from Davenport who was only just realizing she might have the knack. Then, when her daughter was 9-months-old, she went back to school to learn interior design.
Today on the Chaise Lounge, Nick talks to Kate Lester of Kate Lester Interiors about growing up in Southern California, wanting to grow up to be rich and evolving into a designer and how fun it is to tell people “No.”
Today on the Chaise Lounge, Nick talks to designer, retail entrepreneur and “Queen of Eclecticism” Anne Rainey Rokahr. Rokahr is a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and after a career as a film producer, she returned to her roots and bought the then-34-year-old Snob Shop consignment store before also establishing Trouvaille Home which serves as a retail option for antique and custom pieces.
Rokahr found design as a second-and-a-half career. She spent time away from film to work as a publicist for a few years before returning to show business and then transforming her life into what it is today, where she curates unique and beautiful pieces of in both fashion and interiors.
If you’re ever in North Carolina, maybe twice a year for some event, you can visit Anne Rainey Rokahr at the Snob Shop and Trouvaille Home, and scout them out at their websites TheSnobShops.com and TrouvailleHome.com. And follow Trouvaille Home on Instagram @TrouvailleHome to catch inspiration from Rokahr’s ever-changing collection.
This episode of the Chaise Lounge was sponsored by Benjamin Moore. Consider specifying their Scuff-X for its longevity, especially in high-traffic spaces. And this episode was also brought to you with the help of Design Manager, the business software for interior designers that handles project management, order tracking and accounting.
If you have to go to school for six years to do something, you're in the wrong business
Anne Rainey Rokahr
Chaise Lounge Updates We'll be covering Fall High Point Market 2019! Stay in the loop on our Instagram and Facebook pages and keep an eye our for our upcoming market events! Our new podcast Coast to Coast Design is live! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets High Point Market – Oct. 19-23 2019
BDNY – Nov. 10-11, 2019
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
For this season's coverage of Las Vegas Market, the Chaise Lounge presents a panel where Nick chats with Polywood's design ambassadors Shayla Copas, Farah Merhi and Angelo Adamo.
The panel covers one of your host's favorite topics: Branding. The panel discusses how they built their brands, how they leveraged their talents and situations and how they turn their branding into marketing into work. This show and panel are sponsored by Polywood, which makes outdoor furniture from recycled milk jugs.
Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Jaime Blomquist of Jaime Blomquist Interiors. Based in her hometown of Fort Lauderdale, Blomquist’s business has seen both highs and lows. She talks to Nick about how she got her start and how she overcame the hard times.
Today in The Lounge, Nick talks to Kenneth Boyer of Atelier K, based in Los Angeles. Boyer runs the interior design firm with his business partner, Kristin Gunnette. Together, they design high-end residential homes along with custom furniture and lighting for their California clients.
Today in The Lounge, Nick kicks off this season with Sally Williams of Colorful Concepts Interior Design. Based in North Carolina, Williams built her business from scratch after falling in love with interior design. She talks about trying new things, the hardest part about running her business, and the importance of investing in your work.
On the season finale of the Chaise Lounge, Nick sits down with Belinda O’Kelly and David Kasprak the two architect-designers who founded O’Kelly + Kasprak in 2010 together after the firm hospitality firm they had both worked at dissolved. Nine years later, they run a company that can design from the ground up, manage projects as they go and even offer services as specific as acoustic engineering.
Today in The Lounge, Nick catches up with Rich Schell of Rich Designs Home. Schell is located just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Nick, in Colorado Springs. There, he has one space for both his design firm and his high-end furniture consignment store, I Saw It First. Schell talks about the challenges and rewards of being your own boss.
On this Independence Day weekend episode of The Chaise Lounge, Nick visits with Erinn Valencich, a consummate entrepreneur who runs a full-service design firm, designs and sells furniture and is even behind an app that helps designers run their businesses. Valencich takes Nick through her journey growing up on a farm where her grandfather made custom cabinets to testing out of high school to dive into work to her vast career as it exists today.
Today in The Lounge, Nick catches up with Breegan Jane of Breegan Jane design. Based in Santa Monica, California, Jane not only runs her own business, but is also a mother of two boys. She pursues other creative endeavors as well, hosting a radio show, writing a blog, authoring children’s books, and exploring new opportunities in television.
Today in The Lounge, Nick speaks to Laurence Carr of Laurence Carr Design. She finds inspiration in everything from music to nature, from art to food, and she’s not afraid to bring her worldly influence to interior design.
Today in The Lounge, Nick talks to Carol Kurth of Carol Kurth Architecture + Interiors. Kurth is not your typical architect, marrying her passion for architecture with interior design, and maintaining a role in every single project that her firm works on.
Today in The Lounge, Nick talks to Beth Donner of Beth Donner Design based in Long Island, New York. Donner is busy balancing projects all over the country from residential to commercial to restaurants, not to mention, her ongoing ten year partnership with Ruth’s Chris Steak Houses. Donner tells Nick about how she got her start in interior design, and how she created her own successful business.
Welcome! Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Laura Umanski of Laura U Interiors, a Houston Texas designer who runs her firm with her wonderful staff and comes home to her loving family. Laura has a vision that each client and space should get their own look, finding unique objects for her projects while mixing with the client's personal objects creating a story for their space. Laura calls her designs Classically Current, her spaces are bold, dramatic, colorful, and never the same from client to client.
Today in The Lounge, Nick catches up with Teddy Mayer, the Vice President of Design and Technical Services for Virgin Hotels. He oversees the design of each hotel from a creative and technical perspective, develops partnerships with owners and developers, and helps the ownership groups execute the vision for each hotel. Nick and Mayer are no strangers; they first met in Spain back when Virgin Hotels had only one hotel in Chicago. At the Virgin Hotels Corporate Headquarters in Miami, Mayer fills in Nick on what has happened since, including the grand opening of the San Francisco Hotel and 11 others in the making.
Today, Nick is Lounging with hospitality designer Lisa Haude of Paradigm Design Group. Haude grew up drawing floor plans using any and all resources at hand, her trajectory from design child to successful business owner was a straight line, but she tells Nick all about her ups and downs on that path and how she sees her own business.
Welcome back to the Chaise Lounge. This Friday, Nick invites Sarah Von Dreele into the lounge. Von Dreele is a graphic designer by training who wanted to try her hand at fine arts before choosing a different path that has taken her all the way back around to painting.
Welcome! Today in The Lounge, Nick sits down with Jimmy DeLaurentis of Jimmy DeLaurentis, a Philadelphia native with an Italian heritage. He has a big spot in his heart for his family, his dogs, and loves to go big or go home. Even when he goes big with his projects, he’s always looking to go bigger in the future. Jimmy not only envisions a sleek space for interior design but creates his own furniture for not only people but their four-legged companions as well.
Today in The Lounge, Nick joins Dallas native Ty Burks of William-Christopher Design, he is one of the co-founders of the design firm, along with his partner Christopher Ridolf. Come listen in as Nick and Ty discuss how he started his career from working in financial corporations in Boston to an antique store on Charles Street to moving back to Dallas, Texas creating his design firm of William-Christopher Design.
Welcome! Today in The Lounge, Nick sits down with Michelle Rohrer-Lauer of Michelle's Interior. Michelle has fabulous sophistication mixed with modern elements to gives that special magical feeling that fits you and your home.
Thanks for coming back to the Chaise Lounge where, today, Nick talks to Courtney McLeod, the New York-based principal of Right Meets Left Design, who chose design as a second career after moving on from corporate finance. She graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania with a business degree and was successful in that field, but she wasn’t in love with her work. Courtney drifted more and more toward the art and design side of life until she couldn’t help but make her move. She quit her job without setting anything up or planning and pursued her new craft.
Welcome to Friday and to the Chaise Lounge. Today, Nick talks to Architectural Digest’s executive director of digital Keith Pollock. Pollock espouses the virtues of living in Chicago as a young adult and details how he sees the best ways for companies to interact over social media in 2019. And he explains everything about Architectural Digest’s new service AD Pro.
This week, on the first regular Chaise Lounge episode of the season Nick chats with Michigan designer Jean Stoffer. Stoffer is another designer who found out about design as an adult. She grew up in a cozy home that was never intentionally designed, and got a business degree. She discovered the craft of design when she got a job as a business administrator at a design firm where the designers turned her interest into an informal apprenticeship, teaching her how to draft and why choices get made. And one day, a friend of her mother’s called looking specifically for her to help out with her house now that all her kids were off at school. And, through word of mouth, empty-nesters kept seeking her out.
Thank you for joining the Chaise Lounge on it’s spring High Point journey in 2019. Today is the last double episode of High Point coverage featuring the final Nick in the Lounge where Nick was joined by Jaye Mize of Fashion Snoops, Laura Umansky a.k.a. Laura U and Nina Magon who was the Universal Designer Lounge with her brand new line of Universal pieces.
Part two of this episode is a more classic Chaise Lounge episode where Nick chats with President and CEO of John Richard Alan Galbraith about his company’s experience and market and what John Richard got out of it and what it will be doing in the future.
Welcome to day 2 of the Chaise Lounge’s coverage of High Point Market Spring 2019. Today, Nick hosts Bria Hammel, Jeremy Bauer, Jason Clifton, Rachel Moriarty and Bobby Berk in the lounge.
And part two of this episode is Nick’s panel of traveling designers. He hosts Chad James, Susan Jamieson, Nina Magon and Benjamin Johnston as they discuss what it’s like to run design businesses with projects all over the world and how they handle the difficulties that come with that model and how they enjoy the benefits.
Welcome back to The Chaise Lounge with seaopn 22. This is the first of three episodes to be released this week all about High Point Market. Today, Nick hosts the first ever Nick in the Lounge with Catherine Heracher, Garrison Hullinger, Phyllis Harbinger and Jarret Yoshida. Then, this double length episode continues with Nick's Passion Sucks panel with Stacy Garcia, Sarah Willett, Lauren Clement, Libby Langdon and Theresa Dorlini. As always, these successful women talk about how they keep their heads in the business of running their business.
Welcome back from the wild world of High Point Market to the season finale of the Chaise Lounge. Today’s guest is a successful designer who didn’t start her company but built on it instead, Kate O’Hara of Martha O’Hara Interiors. O’Hara originally joined her mother Martha to fill in while an employee was taking time off for surgery. By the time she decided she wanted to make design her full-time career, she had been there doing a little bit of everything for months and months. Earlier this year, O’Hara took over as CEO and creative director. Nick asks her about how she came into the family business, all the marketing tricks she brings to the table and how their business relationship affects their personal relationship.
Today, on this mid-Market episode of the Chaise Lounge, Bay Area-based, Barcelona-born designer Isolina Mallon is here. Mallon is a crusader for modern and contemporary aesthetic in all her projects and tries to include it in all the work she does for Silicon Valley types.
Welcome to the Chaise Lounge. High Point Market starts tomorrow, but- today- is Chaise Lounge Friday where Jeff Andrews of L.A.’s Jeff Andrews Design. This week, Andrews dropped his new book “The New Glamour: Interiors with Star Quality” and he tells Nick all about how and why he works with celebrities like Kaley Cuoco and several Kardashians.
Today on The Chaise Lounge, Nick chats with Michael Stornello and Tom Konopiots, the couple behind Chicago’s Vincere, LTD. Both men started their adult lives in very different careers. Stornello was executive vice president of development at the company that would become CBS Television Distribution, and Konopiots was CEO and COO respectively of two different futures trading companies. At one point, Stornello was living his work week in L.A. and commuting back to Chicago to spend weekends with Konopiots. All the while they’d both become master decorators in their own homes, moving in, remodeling the place and eventually moving back out. So, in 2007, Stornello started Vincere, and three years later Konopiots joined him to become full-time business partners.
Welcome to the road to High Point Market on the Chaise Lounge. This week, Nick hosts two guests: Jane Dagmi, editor-in-chief of Designers Today, and Shayla Copas of Shayla Copas Interiors. Both guests are gearing up for High Point Market, and Nick learns all about their plans for that huge weekend.
On this Tuesday edition of the Chaise Lounge, Nick’s guest is author/influencer/designer Erin Gates, the woman behind Elements of Style. She grew up in her family’s clothing store around women’s fashion and her architecture-inclined father’s architecture business, so, after graduating college with a degree in collage, she found a way to synthesize those influences into a career designing interiors
Welcome to the Chaise Lounge. This Friday, Nick chats with Michele Atijas and Amber Friederichs of the London-based home staging company Yohan May Interiors. In 2015, Atijas and Friederichs were friends who weren’t working in jobs that fed their passion for design, so they started a business together in a niche of the market that didn’t really exist in Europe. Home staging was a tiny part of the interior design industry in Britain compared to the United States, so they worked to find and fill that need.
In the Lounge today, Nina Magon joins Nick to regale him with the story of how her designs attracted Universal Furniture to license a whole line of furniture of hers. She takes Nick through the very beginning of the process and what sparked the initial deal to the line’s launch at High Point Market next month.
Welcome back to the Chaise Lounge where Nick is trying something he’s never done before: talking to a designer who didn’t start the company he helps run. Jason Kalman is a Los Angeles-based designer who found his way to the top of Magni Kalman Designs by working his way up to the position of partner instead of starting from scratch. Magni Kalman also lends its name and aesthetic to a furniture line, Magni Home Collection.
Welcome back to the Chaise Lounge. Today, Lauren Svenstrup of Studio Sven is in the Lounge. Svenstrup tells Nick all about her circuitous route from studying woodworking in Michigan’s upper peninsula to interior design in the first place and through interior design to running her own company.
On this Friday’s episode of The Chaise Lounge, Charlotte-based designer Lauren Clement who grew up watching her mother make a living decorating. When she found herself at a crossroads after a serious car accident, grad school or follow her passion into interior design. She chose the latter, and currently runs Lauren Nicole Designs where she and her mother work on a dozen projects at a time with only the help of a bookkeeper.
Today, in the Lounge, Nick hosts a different kind of designer, event designer David Stark who works on interiors as well as anything that’s supposed to be happening at a client’s wedding, bat mitzvah or pop-up. This episode also features Farah Merhi, the woman behind Inspire Me! Home Decor, the interior design Instagram with 5.5 million followers.
Any designers, architects or students of either discipline in the western United States should look out for the 2019 ANDYZ Awards. If there’s a project that people in the industry should see, this is a great way to show it.
Today, Nick welcomes a special guest to The Chaise Lounge: Jaye Anna Mize vice president of creative for home interiors at Fashion Snoops. She’s returning to the show and will return again to chat about trends in interior designs, what to look for on the horizon and why clients seem to want what they want.
Welcome back to the Chaise Lounge. Today, Nick chats with artist and director of Sorelle Gallery Fine Art Miranda Girard about how her company works with collectors, designers and artists to build an inventory and pick perfect pieces from it for design projects and collections.
Happy Friday from The Chaise Lounge. Today, Nick talks with Leslie Bowman, founder of The Design Bar, a company that runs a 7,000 square foot showroom with a constantly shifting inventory but also offers design services as well as construction and renovation all out of the same shop.
This week on The Chaise Lounge, Nick welcomes Hannah Crowell, the principal of the Nashville-based Crowell & Company Interiors. They talk about Crowell’s journey from theater major to successful designer, “Designing Women” and what exactly Nashville hot chicken is.
On this Friday’s episode of the Chaise Lounge, Nick is joined by Amy Storm of Designstorms to discuss her journey from Barbie Dreamhouse decorator to an entrepreneur with 10 employees designing all over the country out of Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
Today on The Chaise Lounge, Nick has two conversations with designers who focus on different areas of “green” design, Deborah DiMare from Miami and Angelo Adamo out of Michigan.
Maryline Damour is a designer based in Kingston, New York. Damour worked in marketing for most of her adult life until she bought a house in Kingston and began to wonder about the viability of working on interiors. But she dismissed the idea until an earthquake in her native Haiti helped her understand the importance of interior design and pushed her into her new career, which has included the restoration of a damaged but structurally-sound Haitian church.
Kitchen design using Buster + Punch lights and handles
Pull bar and door handle packaged in boxes made from sugar cane waste
Buster + Punch's physical store in London's Shoreditch neighborhood Welcome back to The Chaise Lounge. In the first episode of season 21, Nick talks to Stockholm-based, London-born designer Massimo Minale, founder of Buster + Punch a home fashion and custom motorcycle company that he started as a way to feel more creatively fulfilled after days of putting effort into architecture projects he might never see turn into a building.
After making bikes for such clients as Keith Richards, Minale found himself getting requests for furniture that matched the aesthetic of the bikes, resulting in The Rockstar Bar. From there, Buster + Punch moved toward making fashionable home products that were just a step up from the local hardware store without being ludicrously expensive. As an architect, Minale was often frustrated by the process of sourcing pieces both liked and was happy budgeting for. So Buster + Punch launched a line of fashion light switches consumers and designers could be excited to use and be happy to pay for.
To see more of what Buster + Punch is doing, visit busterandpunch.us or busterandpunch.com and follow on Instagram @busterandpunch to see how the products look in action and the anouncement of new products.
My original goal was to get people interested in interiors that never thought they would be interested in interiors.
Massimo Minale
Chaise Lounge Updates Thank you for joining the Chaise Lounge in season 21! Our new podcast Coast to Coast Design is live! Give it a listen to learn about just how many ways there are to run a design business.
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets Modernism Week – Feb 14 – 24, 2019 BD West – Mar 13-14, 2019 – 22
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Home fashion products by Minale's Buster + Punch
Office space design by upcoming guest Maryline Damour Starting next week, The Chaise Lounge will begin to come out in seasons. Tuesday, Feb. 5 will be see the release of the season 21 premier episode featuring Massimo Minale, founder of Buster + Punch. Why season 21? Because the Chaise Lounge is a red-blooded American podcast, and with all Nick's talk about beer, wine or a cocktail, the show should be "old enough" to partake.
This preview also includes a special conversation with the hosts of iMay Media's new podcast Coast to Coast Design, Garrison Hulinger and Catherine Hersacher.
If you need to sit in on more conversations with designers , visit coasttocoastpodcast.com to start listening. Chaise Lounge Updates Welcome to the new Chaise Lounge era. Watch for more exciting news on our Instagram and Facebook pages. In case two podcasts aren't enough, you can also check out The Student Lounge where interior design student Trish talks to designers about what students need to know about the industry and what classes don't teach.
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets Modernism Week – Feb 14 – 24, 2019 BD West – Mar 13-14, 2019
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Welcome! Over the weekend, The Chaise Lounge posted a version of this episode that mistakenly included an older conversation with Bria Hammel instead of a more recent conversation (that came as the result of the first conversation). This episode was uploaded to replace the one posted on Saturday and now includes Nick's chat with Bria, as well as the full explanation of "Cocktails and Conversations", and how to 10 people will be able to get free copies.
Today in The Lounge, Nick sits down with designer Bria Hammel, as well as Justin Riordan of Spade and Archer. Nick and Bria focus on the trivialities of managing teams and finding the work-life balance. Justin and Nick discuss a variety of topics including cheerleading, drawing floor plans, and of course, everything that home staging encapsulates.
Rush Jenkins and Klaus Baer are partners in life and in business. Based in Jackson, Wyoming, WRJ Interior Design creates elegant residential designs and commercial and museum exhibitions.
Today, Nick chats with Cheryl Janis and Danielle Woodhouse from The Oasis Alliance. With fellow podcaster Cheryl, the two discuss podcasting and wellness design. With Danielle, he talks about nonprofit design and serving people in need. This is a wonderful episode to listen to if you’re interested in getting into podcasting or working for a nonprofit!
On this Christmas-week edition of The Chaise Lounge, Nick chats with Timothy Murenzi from Studio Tumo in Ontario, California. Murenzi is a lifelong entrepreneur who started his first business DJing for weddings and bar/bat mitzvahs on Long Island. He left when he was 18 to pursue an interior design degree in Tampa where he started finding work redoing bathrooms, starting with his aunt’s. SInce then, He started Studio Tumo and is constantly growing his business and tackling two to three large projects at a time with his team.
Nick sits down with Shelley Cekirge of Shelley Cekirge Interiors and Doug Rassi from Polywood. Shelley is an incredibly fascinating designer to listen to and an artist with a background in theater and painting.
Today, Nick is joined by Teddie and Courtney Garrigan, the mother-daughter duo behind Coco & Dash in Dallas, Texas, an ARTS Award-winning home decor shop with an interior decorating arm.
Welcome back! Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Laura Muller, CEO of Four Point Design Build. The two chat about what it means to be a CEO and designer, education, and networking. This is a wonderful episode to listen to for inspiration to step up your business!
Today, The Lounge presents two chats. Nick hosts Kelli Ellis to discuss her recent hospitality projects and her visit to Polywood in Syracuse, Indiana. Then Nick talks to Lonni Paul, an L.A.-based designer who made the transition from modeling to architecture to interior design, and appears as a design expert for E! with designs all over the world.
Welcome back to The Lounge! Today, Nick sits down with Jane Dagmi, editor-in-chief of Designers Today, and Ellen O’Neil, creative director of Benjamin Moore. Jane shares her expertise that publishing entails and chats about High Point Market. With Ellen, Nick gets a peek into what it’s like to choose the color of the year. This is an incredibly interesting episode to listen to for any lover of color or designer looking for publishing tips!
Today in The Lounge, Nick talks to Kristi Hopper, a Dallas-based designer with a sharp sense for the business side of things on top of her interior design acumen.
Welcome back to The Lounge! Today Nick chats with Maria Killam, a color consultant, from the heart of Vancouver. The two talk trends, scrape the surface of the science of color, and cover all Maria has to offer in classes and online.
Welcome! Today in The Lounge, Nick speaks on the Recipe for Success panel, hosted by Christine Phillips, at High Point Market. On the panel, the industry experts discuss PR & press, along with editing, publishing, and branding. For this final episode from High Point Market Fall 2018, Barclay Butera, Jane Dagmi, Christine Phillips, and Amy Flurry come together with their diverse backgrounds to share wisdom regarding the business of design!
On the final High Point Breakfast episode, Nick and co-host Rachel Moriarty, of the upcoming Visibility with Rachel Moriarty, invite a rotating cast of guests to talk about their histories, High Point experiences, and hopes for the future.
Today in The Lounge, Nick speaks with Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, and Randall Weeks from Aidan Gray, at High Point Market. The three discuss the upcoming collection, “The Antiques Diva,” by Aidan Gray. Toma and Randal dive into how they came to work together and the lessons they learned along the way.
Today in The Lounge, live from High Point Market, The Design Network! Nick had the chance to chat with the founder of The Design Network, Jason Harris, as well as designers Christopher Kennedy, Shayla Copas, Meg Caswell, Jason Oliver Nixon of Madcap Cottage, and Anne-Marie Barton. Nick and his guests talk about all the exciting upcoming shows and what the Design Network is all about.
Welcome back! Today in The Lounge we’ve got another exciting episode recorded from High Point Market at Universal Furniture: The Breakfast Show, a live talk on everything design from the happenings at market to what it is like to produce a line! On this show, Nick and co-hosts Catherine Hersacher of Bespoke Interiors and Garrison Hullinger speak with designers Barry Goralnick, Barrie Livingstone, and John Bernard from ModShop, as well as Christine Phillips. The group chats about all the new and exciting events they’ve got going on at Market.
Today in The Lounge, live from Universal Furniture at High Point Market, Passion Sucks. It’s All About the Money! On the panel, Nick is joined by designers Garrison Hullinger, Jarret Yoshida, Angela Harris, Christie Barbour, and Phyllis Harbinger. Nick and his guests discuss the meaning behind Passion Sucks, touching on the best ways to become successful – beyond creating brilliant designs. After fantasizing about their lives if they weren’t designers, the group jumps into the importance of balancing both creative and business aspects when being an interior designer. It’s impossible to become successful without conquering all the difficulties in the design life.
Welcome back! Today in The Lounge we’ve got another special episode recorded from High Point Market at Universal Furniture: “The Breakfast Show,” a live talk on everything design from television and Mercanteinfiera to advice for students! For this show, Nick and co-host Trish Semmoum, host of The Student Lounge, got together with designers Michel Boyd, Robyn Baron, and Toma Clark Haines, as well as Cynthia Ferguson and Billy Ceglia.
Welcome back to The Lounge! Today, Nick sits down with Thom Filicia and Tim Branscome at High Point Market! Thom and Nick get into the business of television and design, while Tim and Nick talk about the platform for emerging artisan designers, Planet Seven.
Welcome! Today in the Lounge Nick is joined by Franco Crea, an Australian furniture designer and owner/director of FrancoCreaTM. Franco creates high quality and thoughtfully designed pieces which interact with the environment around them. During the interview, two discuss how Franco gained his interest in design, the difficulties that come with running a furniture design business, and much more.
Today in the Lounge, Nick chats with Sarah Willet and Jeff Segal. Sarah and Nick discuss how she got into product and retail design and how she runs Patina Vie. Nick and Jeff talk dive into everything that entails Mystic Crystals.
Today, Nick has two special guests, John and Theresa Dorlini of Circle Design Studio in Roanoke, Virginia. Back for another interview, the three talk about growing a business from the ground up, the quirks you must deal with as business owners and keeping the passion in work. All while juggling to raise four children, the couple is managing an architecture and interior design empire!
Today in the Lounge, Nick chats with Wendy Glaister of Wendy Glaister Interiors from the Bay Area, to talk about how she came to be the head of her own firm after deciding not to go down the path of being an attorney. Learn about her tactics for marketing in the digital age and how she stays centered as a designer with a plate that’s always full.
Hey everyone! Today in the Lounge, Nick chats with Barrie Livingstone for the 250th episode! The two talk about the growing Airbnb design market, Barrie’s new book, selling homes, and Luca Boffi’s new endeavor.
Welcome! Today in the Lounge, Nick is joined with Michael Wood, from the heart of New York, and Peter Lang, the designer CPA. Peter chats with Nick about his latest book and the importance of having an accountant to manage all your numbers as a designer. Nick and Michael chat about designing in New York and being an entrepreneur.
Today in The Lounge, we’re preparing for High Point 2018! Looking back at spring 2018, Nick is joined by Rachel Moriarty and Dixie Willard to host Kelli Ellis, Shayla Copas, Rachel Cannon and more on The Morning Show. Tune in and get excited for this fall's High Point Market!
Today in the Lounge, Nick is joined by Jaye Mize of Fashion Snoops, from New York City, to talk trend forecasting. Tune in to learn more about current trends in the design world and why you need to be paying attention as a designer to improve your practice!
Today in the Lounge, Nick speaks with Lori Weitzner from her studio in Chelsea, New York, and Edmond Hagopien, owner of Detroit Rug Restoration. Edmond chats with Nick about the family business and the vintage market. Nick and Lori discuss her journey into textile design, getting a book deal, and her color quiz.
Today in The Lounge, Nick catches up with Toma Clark Haines, The Antique Diva, and chats with Shirry Dolgin, an HGTV regular and owner of ASD Interiors. Nick and Shirry talk about getting into the interior design business and television fame.
Today in the Lounge, Nick sits down with the dynamic duo leading Parker-Torres Design, Barbara Parker and Miriam Torres. Barbara and Miriam are the very definitions of opposites attract as far as their design style and method. Taking advantage of their differences, the two build on each other’s strengths to create beautiful, functional, and dynamic designs. In today’s episode, we learn a little about the development of the firm, how the ladies collaborate on designs and came to be the successful team that they are.
Today in the Lounge, Nick sits down with the dynamic duo leading Parker-Torres Design, Barbara Parker and Miriam Torres. Barbara and Miriam are the very definitions of opposites attract as far as their design style and method. Taking advantage of their differences, the two build on each other’s strengths to create beautiful, functional, and dynamic designs. In today’s episode, we learn a little about the development of the firm, how the ladies collaborate on designs and came to be the successful team that they are.
Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Alene Workman, president of Alene Workman Interior Design and Vicente Wolf of Vicente Wolf Associates, ground up leading designers in the industry. Nick talks about the wonder of the Datacolor ColorReader with Vicente and the art of interior design with Alene.
Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Alene Workman, president of Alene Workman Interior Design and Vicente Wolf of Vicente Wolf Associates, ground up leading designers in the industry. Nick talks about the wonder of the Datacolor ColorReader with Vicente and the art of interior design with Alene.
Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Phyllis Harbinger from Harbinger Design Consulting. The two get down to business about competition in the digital world with Phyllis.
Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Phyllis Harbinger from Harbinger Design Consulting. The two get down to business about competition in the digital world with Phyllis.
Today, Nick is live from the 2018 Las Vegas Market talking exterior design with a panel including Waynette Goodson, Editor in Chief of Casual Living and Exterior Design, Kelli Ellis, Shay Geyer, and Shayla Copas. Get to know these incredible designers while learning why outdoor living is so important and exciting.
Today, Nick is live from the 2018 Las Vegas Market talking exterior design with a panel including Waynette Goodson, Editor in Chief of Casual Living and Exterior Design, Kelli Ellis, Shay Geyer, and Shayla Copas. Get to know these incredible designers while learning why outdoor living is so important and exciting.
Welcome back! Today in The Lounge we’ve got another special episode recorded from Las Vegas Market at SunPan Modern Home: “Your Style, Your Brand,” a live forum on cultivating and how that plays into your success as a designer! For this discussion, Nick got together with designers Shayla Copas and Kelli Ellis as well as Aaron Perkins, an image consultant at Face Your Day Salon, and photographer Kristen Mayfield.
Welcome back! Today in The Lounge we’ve got another special episode recorded from Las Vegas Market at SunPan Modern Home: “Your Style, Your Brand,” a live forum on cultivating and how that plays into your success as a designer! For this discussion, Nick got together with designers Shayla Copas and Kelli Ellis as well as Aaron Perkins, an image consultant at Face Your Day Salon, and photographer Kristen Mayfield.
Today, Nick is live from the 2018 Las Vegas Market in an all-star panel with Julia Buckingham, Angela Pickens, Joshua Rose and Rafael Kalichstein, Kelli Ellis and Katherine Kalen of Sunpan. Get to know these incredible designers and marketers while learning just why collaboration can be so valuable during this IFDA DesignEDGE panel: “From Creation to Consumer.”
Today, Nick is live from the 2018 Las Vegas Market in an all-star panel with Julia Buckingham, Angela Pickens, Joshua Rose and Rafael Kalichstein, Kelli Ellis and Katherine Kalen of Sunpan. Get to know these incredible designers and marketers while learning just why collaboration can be so valuable during this IFDA DesignEDGE panel: “From Creation to Consumer.”
Welcome! Today in The Lounge, Nick sits down with Roger Thomas of The Roger Thomas Collection. Roger is an incredibly interesting designer to listen to and an artist with a diverse background in fine art.
Welcome! Today in The Lounge, Nick sits down with Roger Thomas of The Roger Thomas Collection. Roger is an incredibly interesting designer to listen to and an artist with a diverse background in fine art.
Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Cecilia “Keki” Cannon of Cecilia Cannon Staging & Interiors. Cecilia tells us how she got started in interior design and the staging business, and how blogging was a marketing catalyst for her interiors business. Find out on the episode how she strengthens her business through her blog, “Home with Keki."
Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Cecilia “Keki” Cannon of Cecilia Cannon Staging & Interiors. Cecilia tells us how she got started in interior design and the staging business, and how blogging was a marketing catalyst for her interiors business. Find out on the episode how she strengthens her business through her blog, “Home with Keki."
Today in The Lounge we host special guest Michael Bedner, the co-founder of Hirsch Bedner Associates and a living legend in the hospitality design industry. The interview comes from the black carpet lounge of BD West 2018, when Michael looked back over his fifty-some years in the industry to reflect on drinking his first beer in Malibu, designing the first Western hotel in China, Trump, and disruption in the industry – all with a characteristic wit.
Today in The Lounge we host special guest Michael Bedner, the co-founder of Hirsch Bedner Associates and a living legend in the hospitality design industry. The interview comes from the black carpet lounge of BD West 2018, when Michael looked back over his fifty-some years in the industry to reflect on drinking his first beer in Malibu, designing the first Western hotel in China, Trump, and disruption in the industry – all with a characteristic wit.
Today in The Lounge we host special guest Michael Bedner, the co-founder of Hirsch Bedner Associates and a living legend in the hospitality design industry. The interview comes from the black carpet lounge of BD West 2018, when Michael looked back over his fifty-some years in the industry to reflect on drinking his first beer in Malibu, designing the first Western hotel in China, Trump, and disruption in the industry – all with a characteristic wit.
Today in The Lounge we host special guest Michael Bedner, the co-founder of Hirsch Bedner Associates and a living legend in the hospitality design industry. The interview comes from the black carpet lounge of BD West 2018, when Michael looked back over his fifty-some years in the industry to reflect on drinking his first beer in Malibu, designing the first Western hotel in China, Trump, and disruption in the industry – all with a characteristic wit.
Today in The Lounge, Nick is joined by interior designer Julia Molloy for a conversation on today’s interior design business models and the ways that designers are generating revenue. Plus, she details strategies to bring your business to the optimal industry-wide gross profit margin.
Today in The Lounge, Nick is joined by interior designer Julia Molloy for a conversation on today’s interior design business models and the ways that designers are generating revenue. Plus, she details strategies to bring your business to the optimal industry-wide gross profit margin.
Today in The Lounge, Nick hosts a special interview with Angela Schuster, who has extensive expertise in both the interior design and paint contracting industries. Based in Northern New Jersey, Angela’s decorative finishing and painting business, Faux Time Design, serves a variety of clients in the greater New York City area. Through her collaboration with various interior designers and general painting contractors, Angela emphasizes the importance of effectively marketing one’s business.
Today in The Lounge, Nick hosts a special interview with Angela Schuster, who has extensive expertise in both the interior design and paint contracting industries. Based in Northern New Jersey, Angela’s decorative finishing and painting business, Faux Time Design, serves a variety of clients in the greater New York City area. Through her collaboration with various interior designers and general painting contractors, Angela emphasizes the importance of effectively marketing one’s business.
Today in The Lounge we have Douglas Graneto of Douglas Graneto Design from Greenwich, Connecticut. Nick has a great conversation with Douglas about shoes, traveling, choosing a career, and finding success. Plus, they dive into marketing and Douglas’ challenges for the future.
Today in The Lounge we have Douglas Graneto of Douglas Graneto Design from Greenwich, Connecticut. Nick has a great conversation with Douglas about shoes, traveling, choosing a career, and finding success. Plus, they dive into marketing and Douglas’ challenges for the future.
Welcome to The Lounge! Today, Nick is joined by Glenn Gissler. He’s the founder and principal of Glenn Gissler Design, a luxury residential design firm. On the podcast, Nick and Glenn discuss Glenn’s education, how he got his start in the industry, and what his firm looks like today. Plus, we give you a sneak peak at our brand new podcast The Student Lounge. Read on for more information about Glenn, The Student Lounge, and what The Chaise Lounge has been up to!
Welcome to The Lounge! Today, Nick is joined by Glenn Gissler. He’s the founder and principal of Glenn Gissler Design, a luxury residential design firm. On the podcast, Nick and Glenn discuss Glenn’s education, how he got his start in the industry, and what his firm looks like today. Plus, we give you a sneak peak at our brand new podcast The Student Lounge. Read on for more information about Glenn, The Student Lounge, and what The Chaise Lounge has been up to!
Today we have a very special episode live from Los Angeles! Last week in “From Pitch to Press,” an all-star panel with four incredible interior designers — and Nick! — dove into the nitty gritty of getting press and different PR strategies. As Nick says, press is incredibly important for anyone running a business in this industry. After all, how else are folks supposed to hear about your interior design firm? Our four designers have all excelled in getting press and have a ton of advice to offer: Lori Gilder; Jeanne Chung; David Dalton; and Roxy Sowlaty.
Today we have a very special episode live from Los Angeles! Last week in “From Pitch to Press,” an all-star panel with four incredible interior designers — and Nick! — dove into the nitty gritty of getting press and different PR strategies. As Nick says, press is incredibly important for anyone running a business in this industry. After all, how else are folks supposed to hear about your interior design firm? Our four designers have all excelled in getting press and have a ton of advice to offer: Lori Gilder; Jeanne Chung; David Dalton; and Roxy Sowlaty.
Today in The Lounge, Nick is joined by Angelo Adamo, a former interior designer at Walter Robbs in North Carolina who is now running his own firm, Angelo Adamo Design. The two chat about the meaning behind designing interiors and Angelo’s fascinating design philosophy of creating memories that last.
Today in The Lounge, Nick is joined by Angelo Adamo, a former interior designer at Walter Robbs in North Carolina who is now running his own firm, Angelo Adamo Design. The two chat about the meaning behind designing interiors and Angelo’s fascinating design philosophy of creating memories that last.
Today in The Lounge, Nick joins interior designer Bria Hammel of Bria Hammel Interiors, who discusses her entry into the design world and the skills she has learned along the way!
Today in The Lounge, Nick joins interior designer Bria Hammel of Bria Hammel Interiors, who discusses her entry into the design world and the skills she has learned along the way!
Welcome back! Today in The Lounge, Nick sits down with Chloe Brown of Fresh Paint Art Advisors! She’s an art consultant who has a tremendous amount of experience working with interior designers, and today she shares her wisdom on the niche role of art advisors in the residential, commercial, hospitality and healthcare design world.
Welcome back! Today in The Lounge, Nick sits down with Chloe Brown of Fresh Paint Art Advisors! She’s an art consultant who has a tremendous amount of experience working with interior designers, and today she shares her wisdom on the niche role of art advisors in the residential, commercial, hospitality and healthcare design world.
Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Eric Mauskopf of J Pocker Custom Frames. Learn about the history and legacy of the Pocker Brand, where the store is today and their upcoming plans for the future. Eric Mauskopf is the newest owner of J Pocker, which specializes in high-end custom framing and artwork in NYC. Eric purchased the store in 2017 from Robyn Pocker, whose family has been in the frame business since around 1926. They currently operate four stores: in New York, NY, Bronxville, NY, Greenwich, CT and Westport, CT.
Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Eric Mauskopf of J Pocker Custom Frames. Learn about the history and legacy of the Pocker Brand, where the store is today and their upcoming plans for the future. Eric Mauskopf is the newest owner of J Pocker, which specializes in high-end custom framing and artwork in NYC. Eric purchased the store in 2017 from Robyn Pocker, whose family has been in the frame business since around 1926. They currently operate four stores: in New York, NY, Bronxville, NY, Greenwich, CT and Westport, CT.
Today in the Lounge Nick chats with Christine Phillips of Viola! Public Relations and Design. Christine is a publicist and occasional designer based out of Wisconsin. During the chat we learn about Christine on a more personal level. She speaks about how she entered the business, found clients, how to know when you’re ready for a publicist, and maintaining professional relationships.
Today in the Lounge Nick chats with Christine Phillips of Viola! Public Relations and Design. Christine is a publicist and occasional designer based out of Wisconsin. During the chat we learn about Christine on a more personal level. She speaks about how she entered the business, found clients, how to know when you’re ready for a publicist, and maintaining professional relationships.
Today in The Lounge we’re joined by Kathy Anderson of Anderson Design Studio in Nashville, Tennessee! Kathy is in the middle of the entertainment design industry and works with big stars and brands down and around Nashville. Today, she chats with Nick about her journey through the design industry and offers wisdom on hiring, social media, and more!
Today in The Lounge we’re joined by Kathy Anderson of Anderson Design Studio in Nashville, Tennessee! Kathy is in the middle of the entertainment design industry and works with big stars and brands down and around Nashville. Today, she chats with Nick about her journey through the design industry and offers wisdom on hiring, social media, and more!
Today in The Lounge we have two incredible designers, Ariel Johnson of Ariel Fox Design and Alberthe Buabeng of Albie Knows. Respectively, these designers offer invaluable advice about finding passion and setting up the businesses they dreamed.
Today in The Lounge we have two incredible designers, Ariel Johnson of Ariel Fox Design and Alberthe Buabeng of Albie Knows. Respectively, these designers offer invaluable advice about finding passion and setting up the businesses they dreamed.
Today in the Lounge, Nick sits down with designer Kim Hoegger of Kim Hoegger Home. The two chat about how Kim got into the business, her retail/restaurant adventure, and how she runs her businesses today.
Today in the Lounge, Nick sits down with designer Kim Hoegger of Kim Hoegger Home. The two chat about how Kim got into the business, her retail/restaurant adventure, and how she runs her businesses today.
Janna Paulson
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Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Janna Paulson of Peel Paulson Design Studio. Learn about her life as a multi-family housing designer, the design process, key business development strategies and what’s next for the future. Also, on the Episode is Gail Doby of Gail Doby Coaching and Consulting to talk about the 2018 Genius Exchange this July. But first, we're kicking the episode off with Nick's surprise phone call to the winner of #MakeMyChaise! It's an incredible design that we can't wait to share with you and all of BDNY. Early Beginnings Janna was first exposed to interior design while in high school in Austin, TX. Her father started developing apartments and condos in the area. Once in college at ASU, he would often put her to work when she would come visit him, and Janna discovered that she loved furniture, textiles and the entire design experience. After graduating college with a degree in Interior Design, she moved back to Austin and began working at a local architecture firm. When she first started working, the field of interior design was progressing. Now 30 yrs later, she finds that interior designers are becoming more renowned and recognized in the industry.
The Firm Today
Peel Paulson Design Studio specializes in multi-family design with clients in Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas. She employs a staff of six interior designers as well as a procurement person, a receptionist, and two interns. Her firm is brought on at the beginning of a construction project with her design team responsible for everything from initial space planning to furniture selection and installation. She finds that working in multi-family design is very similar to the hospitality design experience. The end result is all about drama and experience but is also timeless. A typical design must be able to last about 10 years before the next major renovation, and she and her team are constantly looking for the next great thing.
Current Design Trends
Today, living spaces are getting smaller while owners devote more square footage to the amenity and common areas. The goal remains to create a unique and striking but timeless interior for an elevated living experience. Vinyl plank tends to be very popular, as it is affordable and durable but gives the warmth and experience of real wood. Granite and quartz are popular countertop material -- and recently, the cost of granite has decreased, making it an affordable choice. Much of her hours are spent on furniture selection. She says that this is where the brand’s personality can shine through and is typically tailored to the tenant's lifestyle preferences.
Business Development
Coming from a development family, Janna originally entered into this sector because of her father. She now defines herself as a professional shopper, traveling around the world for unique sources of furniture to make her projects unique. Traveling abroad helps to keep her on the forefront of up and coming design trends, most recently attending Light Build in Frankfurt, Germany. Competing for project awards also helps attract clients. She was recently awarded Best Multifamily Housing in Austin for Lenox Boardwalk. Developers have since sought her out directly due to her award-winning work on this project. Now in business for 29 years, she feels established but still prefers to maintain a visual presence in the marketplace. Next up, Janna says that she would like to work on the public element of the design experience and enter into hotel design.
To learn more about Janna and Peel Paulson Design Studio visit their website or blog! Chaise Lounge Updates
Janna Paulson
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Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Janna Paulson of Peel Paulson Design Studio. Learn about her life as a multi-family housing designer, the design process, key business development strategies and what’s next for the future. Also, on the Episode is Gail Doby of Gail Doby Coaching and Consulting to talk about the 2018 Genius Exchange this July. But first, we're kicking the episode off with Nick's surprise phone call to the winner of #MakeMyChaise! It's an incredible design that we can't wait to share with you and all of BDNY. Early Beginnings Janna was first exposed to interior design while in high school in Austin, TX. Her father started developing apartments and condos in the area. Once in college at ASU, he would often put her to work when she would come visit him, and Janna discovered that she loved furniture, textiles and the entire design experience. After graduating college with a degree in Interior Design, she moved back to Austin and began working at a local architecture firm. When she first started working, the field of interior design was progressing. Now 30 yrs later, she finds that interior designers are becoming more renowned and recognized in the industry.
The Firm Today
Peel Paulson Design Studio specializes in multi-family design with clients in Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas. She employs a staff of six interior designers as well as a procurement person, a receptionist, and two interns. Her firm is brought on at the beginning of a construction project with her design team responsible for everything from initial space planning to furniture selection and installation. She finds that working in multi-family design is very similar to the hospitality design experience. The end result is all about drama and experience but is also timeless. A typical design must be able to last about 10 years before the next major renovation, and she and her team are constantly looking for the next great thing.
Current Design Trends
Today, living spaces are getting smaller while owners devote more square footage to the amenity and common areas. The goal remains to create a unique and striking but timeless interior for an elevated living experience. Vinyl plank tends to be very popular, as it is affordable and durable but gives the warmth and experience of real wood. Granite and quartz are popular countertop material -- and recently, the cost of granite has decreased, making it an affordable choice. Much of her hours are spent on furniture selection. She says that this is where the brand’s personality can shine through and is typically tailored to the tenant's lifestyle preferences.
Business Development
Coming from a development family, Janna originally entered into this sector because of her father. She now defines herself as a professional shopper, traveling around the world for unique sources of furniture to make her projects unique. Traveling abroad helps to keep her on the forefront of up and coming design trends, most recently attending Light Build in Frankfurt, Germany. Competing for project awards also helps attract clients. She was recently awarded Best Multifamily Housing in Austin for Lenox Boardwalk. Developers have since sought her out directly due to her award-winning work on this project. Now in business for 29 years, she feels established but still prefers to maintain a visual presence in the marketplace. Next up, Janna says that she would like to work on the public element of the design experience and enter into hotel design.
To learn more about Janna and Peel Paulson Design Studio visit their website or blog! Chaise Lounge Updates
Today in The Lounge we air a special industry-specific episode recorded live in at Pagoda Red, where Nick facilities a discussion with designers Julia Buckingham, Claire Staszak, and Betsy Nathan for a deep and exciting dive into design aesthetics and processes. At the core of the panel is Nick’s question: is “timeless design” a cliche?
Today in The Lounge we air a special industry-specific episode recorded live in at Pagoda Red, where Nick facilities a discussion with designers Julia Buckingham, Claire Staszak, and Betsy Nathan for a deep and exciting dive into design aesthetics and processes. At the core of the panel is Nick’s question: is “timeless design” a cliche?
Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Rachel Thomas Murphy of Thomas Grey Interiors about her early stages of design, her affinity for the University of Kansas Jayhawks, and her community-focused Passion Project.
Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Rachel Thomas Murphy of Thomas Grey Interiors about her early stages of design, her affinity for the University of Kansas Jayhawks, and her community-focused Passion Project.
Today in The Lounge Nick joins Nicole Hogarty, principal of Nicole Hogarty Designs. Nicole chats with Nick about growing up in a small town, the importance of design in her childhood, pursuing her education at Parsons School of Design, and diving head first into her design career!
Today in The Lounge Nick joins Nicole Hogarty, principal of Nicole Hogarty Designs. Nicole chats with Nick about growing up in a small town, the importance of design in her childhood, pursuing her education at Parsons School of Design, and diving head first into her design career!
Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Janice Barta of Barta Interiors. Janice discusses her early days as a designer, how she started her business, the implications of technology for the industry and her plans for the future.
Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Janice Barta of Barta Interiors. Janice discusses her early days as a designer, how she started her business, the implications of technology for the industry and her plans for the future.
Today in The Lounge, Nick speaks with Susan Bunting from Datacolor and Phyllis Harbinger. Susan speaks at length about Datacolor’s apps and how they help everyone from seasoned designers to homeowners painting their own spaces. Then, Phyllis and Nick discuss how she got in the industry and the importance of being organized in your business to get ahead.
Today in The Lounge, Nick speaks with Susan Bunting from Datacolor and Phyllis Harbinger. Susan speaks at length about Datacolor’s apps and how they help everyone from seasoned designers to homeowners painting their own spaces. Then, Phyllis and Nick discuss how she got in the industry and the importance of being organized in your business to get ahead.
Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Rachel Cannon from Rachel Cannon Limited. Learn about her early days as a designer, her transition from commercial to residential design, and the game changer that ignited her successful business.
Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Rachel Cannon from Rachel Cannon Limited. Learn about her early days as a designer, her transition from commercial to residential design, and the game changer that ignited her successful business.
Today in the Lounge Nick chats with Bridget Beari Designs principal Susan Jamieson, live from Universal Furniture at High Point Market. Nick and Susan discuss what got her interested in interior design, her business today, and Susan gives some advice for new designers in the business.
Today in the Lounge Nick chats with Bridget Beari Designs principal Susan Jamieson, live from Universal Furniture at High Point Market. Nick and Susan discuss what got her interested in interior design, her business today, and Susan gives some advice for new designers in the business.
Design by HW Design. Click the image for more info! Ron Werner and Marc Molinsky Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Ron Werner of HW Home. A native of Chicago, Ron began his professional career as a stockbroker prior to opening a series of home furnishing store. Next, Nick sits down with Marc Molinsky of Designer Advantage for a fascinating conversation about his years of working with designers, as well as current industry trends and billing best practices. Ron Werner
Ron is an interior designer based in Boulder, Colorado, who has had a fascinating journey from stockbroker to interior designer. Early Beginnings Ron began his career as a stockbroker in Chicago, Illinois, after graduating with a Bachelors in Economics from Indiana University. He says his years as a broker taught him the ins and outs of running a small business, and later, on a trip to Boulder, Colorado to visit his sister, Ron decided to move to the area and open his own shop along with his partner, Jim, who was currently running a Holly Hunt showroom in Chicago. The duo decided that purchasing real estate in the area would be the best investment and opened their first store in 1999. The Store - HW Home Ron and Jim always had a clear idea of what they wanted: a true home store that reflected their personal aesthetic. Now expanding into their third location, the look and feel of the store is still in alignment with their original business plan: they create an eclectic palette using their sourcing methodology of “ Hunt, Gather, Edit” -- working to select items that are unique and beautiful, stand the test of time and will excite people. Marc Molinsky - Designer Advantage
Next in The Lounge, Nick chats with Marc Molinsky of Designer Advantage. For 18 years now Designer Advantage has handled the financials and bookkeeping for interior designers, allowing for more time to focus on client relations and the creation of design vision. Designer Advantage handles the financial side of the business, ensuring that designers are paying bills and making a profit. Functioning as both a full-service booking company and an outsourced CFO, Designer Advantage provides services to designers at a cost less expensive than hiring a full-time employee. They currently manage 120 firms across the country. Industry data Designer Advantage has been in business for 18 yrs, and during this time they have seen a shift in the way in designers are being compensated for work. Originally, profit was generally tied to product, with designers making 35-45% profit markup on top of the flat fee. This practice has deteriorated over time as designers lose the competitive advantage of purchasing trade only products. More notably, when markup profit is divided by the hourly rate, the numbers simply do not add up -- resulting in designer not being properly compensated for the amount of hours spent. Therefore, the industry has been shifting toward an hourly model which can help designers increase their profitability. Time Billing Best Practices As Designer Advantage sits on the front lines preparing and receiving invoices for the client they possess a unique vantage point. As such they have developed a few techniques to minimize negative client feedback, to help your interior design business weather the seismic shifts we’re all seeing in the industry. Listen to take a deep dive!
To learn more about Design Advantage visit their website! Chaise Lounge Updates HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13
Dallas Market – Jun 20– 26
Las Vegas Market July 29 – Aug 2
High Point Market – October 13 – 17
BDNY – Nov 11 – 12 Resources Follow this link to check out our fantastic sponsors and find out how they can help YOU! Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our...
Design by HW Design. Click the image for more info! Ron Werner and Marc Molinsky Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Ron Werner of HW Home. A native of Chicago, Ron began his professional career as a stockbroker prior to opening a series of home furnishing store. Next, Nick sits down with Marc Molinsky of Designer Advantage for a fascinating conversation about his years of working with designers, as well as current industry trends and billing best practices. Ron Werner
Ron is an interior designer based in Boulder, Colorado, who has had a fascinating journey from stockbroker to interior designer. Early Beginnings Ron began his career as a stockbroker in Chicago, Illinois, after graduating with a Bachelors in Economics from Indiana University. He says his years as a broker taught him the ins and outs of running a small business, and later, on a trip to Boulder, Colorado to visit his sister, Ron decided to move to the area and open his own shop along with his partner, Jim, who was currently running a Holly Hunt showroom in Chicago. The duo decided that purchasing real estate in the area would be the best investment and opened their first store in 1999. The Store - HW Home Ron and Jim always had a clear idea of what they wanted: a true home store that reflected their personal aesthetic. Now expanding into their third location, the look and feel of the store is still in alignment with their original business plan: they create an eclectic palette using their sourcing methodology of “ Hunt, Gather, Edit” -- working to select items that are unique and beautiful, stand the test of time and will excite people. Marc Molinsky - Designer Advantage
Next in The Lounge, Nick chats with Marc Molinsky of Designer Advantage. For 18 years now Designer Advantage has handled the financials and bookkeeping for interior designers, allowing for more time to focus on client relations and the creation of design vision. Designer Advantage handles the financial side of the business, ensuring that designers are paying bills and making a profit. Functioning as both a full-service booking company and an outsourced CFO, Designer Advantage provides services to designers at a cost less expensive than hiring a full-time employee. They currently manage 120 firms across the country. Industry data Designer Advantage has been in business for 18 yrs, and during this time they have seen a shift in the way in designers are being compensated for work. Originally, profit was generally tied to product, with designers making 35-45% profit markup on top of the flat fee. This practice has deteriorated over time as designers lose the competitive advantage of purchasing trade only products. More notably, when markup profit is divided by the hourly rate, the numbers simply do not add up -- resulting in designer not being properly compensated for the amount of hours spent. Therefore, the industry has been shifting toward an hourly model which can help designers increase their profitability. Time Billing Best Practices As Designer Advantage sits on the front lines preparing and receiving invoices for the client they possess a unique vantage point. As such they have developed a few techniques to minimize negative client feedback, to help your interior design business weather the seismic shifts we’re all seeing in the industry. Listen to take a deep dive!
To learn more about Design Advantage visit their website! Chaise Lounge Updates HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13
Dallas Market – Jun 20– 26
Las Vegas Market July 29 – Aug 2
High Point Market – October 13 – 17
BDNY – Nov 11 – 12 Resources Follow this link to check out our fantastic sponsors and find out how they can help YOU! Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our...
Intercontinental Hotel Los Angeles, by Amy Jakubowski and Wilson Associates. Click on the image for more info!
Amy Jakubowski: International Design Today in the Lounge Nick speaks with Amy Jakubowski live from BD West in LA. Amy talks about how she she got started in interior design at young age, what she does working for Wilson Associates, and some qualities she looks for in interns. Getting to Know Amy On Amy’s coffee table you would find two candles, a book on 1950’s California design, and plant that’s still alive. She loves to travel for work and also takes trips with her friends -- this year it’s a jaunt in Croatia. One of her projects has even taken her to Minsk, and she loves going back to Paris. Beer, wine, or cocktail? She loves rosés in the afternoon and reds at night, but if it isn’t a nightcap, she prefers a cocktail.
Click on the image to see the complete portfolio of the Intercontinental Hotel Los Angeles! How Amy got into Interior Design Amy’s passion for interior design grew when she was thirteen and drew inspiration from her neighbors, which led her to the classroom on Saturdays for FIT classes and an eventual bachelor's degree. She worked in the industry part-time while in school and full-time when on breaks, and even had a job offer waiting for her when she graduated. Her first ten years were spent in the garment district, and from there she went to a firm that designed hotels before transitioning from boutique and retail to hospitality. The Business Today Amy is currently the Manager and Design Director for Wilson Associates in the LA office, where she manages the ten offices worldwide and a total of 70 projects -- from Morocco and Minsk to Abu Dhabi and Shanghai. She says that it’s important to get to know the market you’re in because every place is unique and different, and you have be able to adapt to different cultures.
Click on the image to see the complete portfolio of the Intercontinental Hotel Los Angeles! What Amy looks for in Interns When hiring interns at Wilson Associates, Amy looks for an energetic go-getter with computer graphic skills like InDesign, Photoshop and CAD along with a passion for design. Amy also looks to make sure that a student has already done an internship when in the hiring process. She also has a few tips for resumes: a professional resume should include some sample projects but it is important to be concise and personable. Also, be sure to write the point of your objective in your resume. With digital portfolios also keep it simple: balance out your portfolio with technical skills and hand sketches, because it is important for her to see your process. And when you do find an internship (maybe even one with The Chaise Lounge!) be sure to find a mentor and ask a lot of questions! That’s how you learn and get to know what different areas in design are out there.
Visit Wilson Associates to learn more about Amy and Wilson Associates. Chaise Lounge Updates Get to know Nick this week in Las Vegas at HD Expo, May 2-4. It’s not too late, register NOW!
Last chance to enter the Moore & Giles INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY!!! Follow the instructions on our Instagram Post for your chance to win a FREE tote bag. Resources Datacolor– If you’ve ever worked with a Benjamin Moore dealer and asked for a color match, then you’ve probably worked with Datacolor. Now, if you pick up a ColorReader pro, you can color match from home! You can also work with almost all of the color decks, including Benjamin Moore. Visit www.datacolor.com to order one or click the link from The Chaise Lounge Podcast website.
Moore & Giles
JLF Collections
Design Manager
Benjamin Moore
Porcelanosa
Universal Furniture
Upcoming Events
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13
Dallas Market – Jun 20– 26
Las Vegas Market July 29 – Aug 2
High Point Market – October 13 – 17
BDNY – Nov 11 – 12 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheCha...
Intercontinental Hotel Los Angeles, by Amy Jakubowski and Wilson Associates. Click on the image for more info!
Amy Jakubowski: International Design Today in the Lounge Nick speaks with Amy Jakubowski live from BD West in LA. Amy talks about how she she got started in interior design at young age, what she does working for Wilson Associates, and some qualities she looks for in interns. Getting to Know Amy On Amy’s coffee table you would find two candles, a book on 1950’s California design, and plant that’s still alive. She loves to travel for work and also takes trips with her friends -- this year it’s a jaunt in Croatia. One of her projects has even taken her to Minsk, and she loves going back to Paris. Beer, wine, or cocktail? She loves rosés in the afternoon and reds at night, but if it isn’t a nightcap, she prefers a cocktail.
Click on the image to see the complete portfolio of the Intercontinental Hotel Los Angeles! How Amy got into Interior Design Amy’s passion for interior design grew when she was thirteen and drew inspiration from her neighbors, which led her to the classroom on Saturdays for FIT classes and an eventual bachelor's degree. She worked in the industry part-time while in school and full-time when on breaks, and even had a job offer waiting for her when she graduated. Her first ten years were spent in the garment district, and from there she went to a firm that designed hotels before transitioning from boutique and retail to hospitality. The Business Today Amy is currently the Manager and Design Director for Wilson Associates in the LA office, where she manages the ten offices worldwide and a total of 70 projects -- from Morocco and Minsk to Abu Dhabi and Shanghai. She says that it’s important to get to know the market you’re in because every place is unique and different, and you have be able to adapt to different cultures.
Click on the image to see the complete portfolio of the Intercontinental Hotel Los Angeles! What Amy looks for in Interns When hiring interns at Wilson Associates, Amy looks for an energetic go-getter with computer graphic skills like InDesign, Photoshop and CAD along with a passion for design. Amy also looks to make sure that a student has already done an internship when in the hiring process. She also has a few tips for resumes: a professional resume should include some sample projects but it is important to be concise and personable. Also, be sure to write the point of your objective in your resume. With digital portfolios also keep it simple: balance out your portfolio with technical skills and hand sketches, because it is important for her to see your process. And when you do find an internship (maybe even one with The Chaise Lounge!) be sure to find a mentor and ask a lot of questions! That’s how you learn and get to know what different areas in design are out there.
Visit Wilson Associates to learn more about Amy and Wilson Associates. Chaise Lounge Updates Get to know Nick this week in Las Vegas at HD Expo, May 2-4. It’s not too late, register NOW!
Last chance to enter the Moore & Giles INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY!!! Follow the instructions on our Instagram Post for your chance to win a FREE tote bag. Resources Datacolor– If you’ve ever worked with a Benjamin Moore dealer and asked for a color match, then you’ve probably worked with Datacolor. Now, if you pick up a ColorReader pro, you can color match from home! You can also work with almost all of the color decks, including Benjamin Moore. Visit www.datacolor.com to order one or click the link from The Chaise Lounge Podcast website.
Moore & Giles
JLF Collections
Design Manager
Benjamin Moore
Porcelanosa
Universal Furniture
Upcoming Events
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13
Dallas Market – Jun 20– 26
Las Vegas Market July 29 – Aug 2
High Point Market – October 13 – 17
BDNY – Nov 11 – 12 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheCha...
High Point Spring Market 2018: Christi Barbour Today in The Lounge we air the last of our High Point Spring Market coverage, kicking the episode off with the Nick May Morning Show co-hosted by Catherine Hersacher of Bespoke Interiors featuring Jane Dagmi of Designers Today, Shay Geyer of IBB Design, Lynai Jones of Mitchell Black, LuAnn Nigara, and Garrison Hullinger. Garrison chats about branching out to High Point to stand out from other West Coast designers and explains why he is constantly telling friends “no design for wine!” Next, Nick sits down with Christi Barbour, an incredible designer based in High Point with the firm Barbour Spangle Design. As a local, she's able to offer an incredible perspective on the Spring Market! Christi's Story
Christi is from High Point and grew up no more than ten miles from the market. On her coffee table, you can find Kelly Wearstler and Chanel design books, as well as flowers. Her favorite accessory is a pair of Tom's shoes, and her favorite city is Paris. Getting into Design Christi loved barbie homes and rearranging her room as a child, but didn't get into design until mid-way through college. As a student at Virginia Tech, she struggled to find a career she was passionate about and originally planned to work in childcare, but was thankfully exposed to the design world through her suite-mate, who persuaded her to switch majors. She immediately knew that design was the fit for her. After college, Christi went back home to High Point to do an internship for a designer who becomes a mentor and her first employer for three years as she worked in photographic design, which she says was perfect for experimentation. Afterward, Christi moved to a furniture company to take over floor display and retail, and bounced around a few jobs, but was unhappy and struck out on her own around 1997. Success! Now, Christi has a partner and thirteen staffers at her hyper-local design business. She loves how quiet High Point is in between markets, and says that it is always exciting to see people trickle in!
Find Christi's work here and look for her at High Point Fall Market!
Resources Datacolor– If you’ve ever worked with a Benjamin Moore dealer and asked for a color match, then you’ve probably worked with Datacolor. Now, if you pick up a ColorReader pro, you can color match from home! You can also work with almost all of the color decks, including Benjamin Moore. Visit www.datacolor.com to order one or click the link from The Chaise Lounge Podcast website.
Moore & Giles
JLF Collections
Design Manager
Benjamin Moore
Porcelanosa
Universal Furniture
Upcoming Events
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13
To hear more episodes, visit us on iTunes or on our website www.TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes — and you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
High Point Spring Market 2018: Christi Barbour Today in The Lounge we air the last of our High Point Spring Market coverage, kicking the episode off with the Nick May Morning Show co-hosted by Catherine Hersacher of Bespoke Interiors featuring Jane Dagmi of Designers Today, Shay Geyer of IBB Design, Lynai Jones of Mitchell Black, LuAnn Nigara, and Garrison Hullinger. Garrison chats about branching out to High Point to stand out from other West Coast designers and explains why he is constantly telling friends “no design for wine!” Next, Nick sits down with Christi Barbour, an incredible designer based in High Point with the firm Barbour Spangle Design. As a local, she's able to offer an incredible perspective on the Spring Market! Christi's Story
Christi is from High Point and grew up no more than ten miles from the market. On her coffee table, you can find Kelly Wearstler and Chanel design books, as well as flowers. Her favorite accessory is a pair of Tom's shoes, and her favorite city is Paris. Getting into Design Christi loved barbie homes and rearranging her room as a child, but didn't get into design until mid-way through college. As a student at Virginia Tech, she struggled to find a career she was passionate about and originally planned to work in childcare, but was thankfully exposed to the design world through her suite-mate, who persuaded her to switch majors. She immediately knew that design was the fit for her. After college, Christi went back home to High Point to do an internship for a designer who becomes a mentor and her first employer for three years as she worked in photographic design, which she says was perfect for experimentation. Afterward, Christi moved to a furniture company to take over floor display and retail, and bounced around a few jobs, but was unhappy and struck out on her own around 1997. Success! Now, Christi has a partner and thirteen staffers at her hyper-local design business. She loves how quiet High Point is in between markets, and says that it is always exciting to see people trickle in!
Find Christi's work here and look for her at High Point Fall Market!
Resources Datacolor– If you’ve ever worked with a Benjamin Moore dealer and asked for a color match, then you’ve probably worked with Datacolor. Now, if you pick up a ColorReader pro, you can color match from home! You can also work with almost all of the color decks, including Benjamin Moore. Visit www.datacolor.com to order one or click the link from The Chaise Lounge Podcast website.
Moore & Giles
JLF Collections
Design Manager
Benjamin Moore
Porcelanosa
Universal Furniture
Upcoming Events
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13
To hear more episodes, visit us on iTunes or on our website www.TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes — and you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
High Point Spring Market 2018: Thom Filicia
Today in The Lounge, Nick continues his journey at High Point Market. We start off with with a snapshot of The Nick May Morning Show co-hosted Joseph Haecker of Dezign Wall. Guest appearances include Dorothy Willetts of Willets Design, Bobbi Jo Engelby of Domain Interiors, Michelle Wiebe of Studio M and Zandy Gammons & Liles Dunnigan of The Warehouse 1924. Join in through the live video on our Facebook Page! Then join Nick and designer/TV personality Thom Filicia of Thom Filicia Inc live from the showroom floor at Listen to Thom answer fan questions while discussing his early days as a designer, his experience on Queer Eye, and his upcoming new projects. Early Beginnings Thom Filicia grew up in Syracuse, NY, and realized that he wanted to be a designer in the 5th grade when he drew an elaborate McMansion on his elementary school desk -- even though he got in trouble. Later, Thom entered into an advanced art program at school and went on to study art and design, ultimately earning a degree in Interior Design. In 1998 he opened his own business. The Business Now, Thom Filicia manages three different business empires: Thom Filicia Inc, a traditional brick and mortar interior design firm focusing on commercial projects, hotels and restaurants; Sedgwick and Brattle, a showroom and experience center in NYC; and Tom Filicia Entertainment, which focuses on books and television. Originally Thom thought he opened his own business before he was really ready. In retrospect, he realizes that you are never really ready for anything that is monumental in your life, and becoming a business owner taught him how to acclimate to things intuitively. Sometimes, he says, you have to take on more than you are capable of to go to the next level, and he credits his internship experience as the springboard for his career. The Show Of course, Thom is best known for his appearances on the show Queer Eye -- and the backstory is incredible. Believe it or not, Thom was actually discovered by a talent scout while they were both stuck in a broken elevator. Thom says he was able to bring a lighthearted humor during a difficult situation which helps to alleviate the hysterics of other passengers, and after they were rescued from the elevator, the two exchanged cards. A few months later, Thom was contacted by the scout for an upcoming project, and although Thom didn't have television experience, the agent submitted his name anyway. The rest is history. Thom is excited that the show is back on the air and that the brand is still relevant to viewers today. Beyond the commercial appeal, he says that the Fab Five are like brothers to him. Today Thom is currently filming his new Bravo show, the Thom and Carson Project. The show will focus on the pair helping people who have some issue with the design on their home and is scheduled to air in mid-October.
For more information or to connect with Thom visit his website www.thomfilicia.com Chaise Lounge Updates Last chance to enter the #makemychaise Design Competition! Enter via Facebook or Instagram for the chance to see YOUR chaise lounge design come to life!!!!
Where in the world is Nick??? Find Nick next week in Las Vegas at HD Expo, May 2-4. It’s not too late, register NOW!
Our Events Page
Resources Datacolor–If you’ve ever worked with a Benjamin Moore dealer and asked for a color match, then you’ve probably worked with Datacolor without even knowing it. Now, Datacolor has announced the ColorReader, a tool that identifies paint colors from any surface and provides you the closest existing paint match right on the spot! Stop cutting out your drywall or scanning fan decks and start saving time by confiming color with the help of the ColorReader. Revolutionize your color tools and visit www.datacolor.com/may for more information.
Moore & Giles, JLF Collections, Design Manager, Benjamin Moore, Porcelanosa, Universal Furniture Upcoming Events HD Expo – May 2 – 4
High Point Spring Market 2018: Thom Filicia
Today in The Lounge, Nick continues his journey at High Point Market. We start off with with a snapshot of The Nick May Morning Show co-hosted Joseph Haecker of Dezign Wall. Guest appearances include Dorothy Willetts of Willets Design, Bobbi Jo Engelby of Domain Interiors, Michelle Wiebe of Studio M and Zandy Gammons & Liles Dunnigan of The Warehouse 1924. Join in through the live video on our Facebook Page! Then join Nick and designer/TV personality Thom Filicia of Thom Filicia Inc live from the showroom floor at Listen to Thom answer fan questions while discussing his early days as a designer, his experience on Queer Eye, and his upcoming new projects. Early Beginnings Thom Filicia grew up in Syracuse, NY, and realized that he wanted to be a designer in the 5th grade when he drew an elaborate McMansion on his elementary school desk -- even though he got in trouble. Later, Thom entered into an advanced art program at school and went on to study art and design, ultimately earning a degree in Interior Design. In 1998 he opened his own business. The Business Now, Thom Filicia manages three different business empires: Thom Filicia Inc, a traditional brick and mortar interior design firm focusing on commercial projects, hotels and restaurants; Sedgwick and Brattle, a showroom and experience center in NYC; and Tom Filicia Entertainment, which focuses on books and television. Originally Thom thought he opened his own business before he was really ready. In retrospect, he realizes that you are never really ready for anything that is monumental in your life, and becoming a business owner taught him how to acclimate to things intuitively. Sometimes, he says, you have to take on more than you are capable of to go to the next level, and he credits his internship experience as the springboard for his career. The Show Of course, Thom is best known for his appearances on the show Queer Eye -- and the backstory is incredible. Believe it or not, Thom was actually discovered by a talent scout while they were both stuck in a broken elevator. Thom says he was able to bring a lighthearted humor during a difficult situation which helps to alleviate the hysterics of other passengers, and after they were rescued from the elevator, the two exchanged cards. A few months later, Thom was contacted by the scout for an upcoming project, and although Thom didn't have television experience, the agent submitted his name anyway. The rest is history. Thom is excited that the show is back on the air and that the brand is still relevant to viewers today. Beyond the commercial appeal, he says that the Fab Five are like brothers to him. Today Thom is currently filming his new Bravo show, the Thom and Carson Project. The show will focus on the pair helping people who have some issue with the design on their home and is scheduled to air in mid-October.
For more information or to connect with Thom visit his website www.thomfilicia.com Chaise Lounge Updates Last chance to enter the #makemychaise Design Competition! Enter via Facebook or Instagram for the chance to see YOUR chaise lounge design come to life!!!!
Where in the world is Nick??? Find Nick next week in Las Vegas at HD Expo, May 2-4. It’s not too late, register NOW!
Our Events Page
Resources Datacolor–If you’ve ever worked with a Benjamin Moore dealer and asked for a color match, then you’ve probably worked with Datacolor without even knowing it. Now, Datacolor has announced the ColorReader, a tool that identifies paint colors from any surface and provides you the closest existing paint match right on the spot! Stop cutting out your drywall or scanning fan decks and start saving time by confiming color with the help of the ColorReader. Revolutionize your color tools and visit www.datacolor.com/may for more information.
Moore & Giles, JLF Collections, Design Manager, Benjamin Moore, Porcelanosa, Universal Furniture Upcoming Events HD Expo – May 2 – 4
High Point Spring Market 2018: Disruption or Innovation? High Point Spring Market 2018: Disruption or Innovation?Today in The Lounge we continue our coverage of High Point Spring Market 2018, kicking-off the episode with highlights from The Nick May Morning Show co-hosted by Dixie Willard and Rachel Moriarty of Design+Style Podcast to interview Lindsay Paoli of Design Manager, Shayla Copas of Shayla Copas Interiors, and Holly Hollingswoth Phillips, Florence Broadhurst Brand Ambassador/owner of The English Room and Florence. Find the live video on our Facebook Page.Next, Nick facilitates a panel called "Navigating the Turmoil of Industry Consolidation" -- inspired in part by the controversial acquisition of IvyMark by Houzz -- but the panel becomes a broader discussion about what's going on in the industry and how some designers are adapting their business models. Panelists are Cheryl Kees Clendenon of In Detail Designers; Laura Thurman of Thurman Design Studio; Neil Mackenzie from Universal Furniture; Rebecca Gins of Perigold; and Shawn Hughes of Steelyard.Enjoy the Nick May Morning Show, and stay tuned this week for the rest of our HPMKT coverage! Chaise Lounge Updates EXTENDED DEADLINE: Don’t forget about the #makemychaise design competition! Click this link for more info.Nick is in Dallas for Dine and Design. Follow along on our Instagram!
Our Events Page
Resources Datacolor–If you’ve ever worked with a Benjamin Moore dealer and asked for a color match, then you’ve probably worked with Datacolor without even knowing it. Now, Datacolor has announced the ColorReader, a tool that identifies paint colors from any surface and provides you the closest existing paint match right on the spot! Stop cutting out your drywall or scanning fan decks and start saving time by confirming color with the help of the ColorReader. Revolutionize your color tools and visit www.datacolor.com/may for more information.Moore & Giles, JLF Collections, Design Manager, Benjamin Moore, Porcelanosa, Universal Furniture Upcoming Events HD Expo – May 2 – 4ICFF – May 20 – 23NeoCon – June 11 – 13
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
High Point Spring Market 2018: Disruption or Innovation? High Point Spring Market 2018: Disruption or Innovation?Today in The Lounge we continue our coverage of High Point Spring Market 2018, kicking-off the episode with highlights from The Nick May Morning Show co-hosted by Dixie Willard and Rachel Moriarty of Design+Style Podcast to interview Lindsay Paoli of Design Manager, Shayla Copas of Shayla Copas Interiors, and Holly Hollingswoth Phillips, Florence Broadhurst Brand Ambassador/owner of The English Room and Florence. Find the live video on our Facebook Page.Next, Nick facilitates a panel called "Navigating the Turmoil of Industry Consolidation" -- inspired in part by the controversial acquisition of IvyMark by Houzz -- but the panel becomes a broader discussion about what's going on in the industry and how some designers are adapting their business models. Panelists are Cheryl Kees Clendenon of In Detail Designers; Laura Thurman of Thurman Design Studio; Neil Mackenzie from Universal Furniture; Rebecca Gins of Perigold; and Shawn Hughes of Steelyard.Enjoy the Nick May Morning Show, and stay tuned this week for the rest of our HPMKT coverage! Chaise Lounge Updates EXTENDED DEADLINE: Don’t forget about the #makemychaise design competition! Click this link for more info.Nick is in Dallas for Dine and Design. Follow along on our Instagram!
Our Events Page
Resources Datacolor–If you’ve ever worked with a Benjamin Moore dealer and asked for a color match, then you’ve probably worked with Datacolor without even knowing it. Now, Datacolor has announced the ColorReader, a tool that identifies paint colors from any surface and provides you the closest existing paint match right on the spot! Stop cutting out your drywall or scanning fan decks and start saving time by confirming color with the help of the ColorReader. Revolutionize your color tools and visit www.datacolor.com/may for more information.Moore & Giles, JLF Collections, Design Manager, Benjamin Moore, Porcelanosa, Universal Furniture Upcoming Events HD Expo – May 2 – 4ICFF – May 20 – 23NeoCon – June 11 – 13
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
High Point Spring Market 2018: Passion Sucks Today in The Lounge Nick sits down at High Point Market with an all-star panel to discuss “Passion Sucks. It’s All About the Money!” a forum on taking an interior design business from dreams to not only creative but financial success. On the panel is Robin Baron of Robin Baron Design in NYC; California-based designer and real estate star Barrie Livingstone (who was also Nick’s first-ever guest in The Lounge!); and David Charette of outstanding design firm Britto Charette in Miami.Also, enjoy highlight os The Morning Show with Barrie Livingstone who joins Nick as co-host to interview Jeffrey Johnson of Jeffrey Design LLC, Gary Pettit of Seasonal Living, Libby Langdon, and Kelli Ellis. Find the full live video on our Facebook Page.The Nit and Grit of GrowthNick and the designers agree that there’s no shortage of passion in the interior design industry, so the difference between firms that sink or swim are smart business practices. The panel tackles everything from liability reduction and software use through management and hiring practices, where everyone has their own style of doing things. David, in particular, offers valuable insight into management at Britto Charette, where employee perks like great healthcare, free lunches and happy hours, and potlucks aim to keep staff loyal and hardworking -- but most importantly, happy. David also discussed the challenges and blessings of partnering with his spouse, and recommends working together but in different market sectors.No Lack of PassionNick’s questioning then turned philosophical with discussions into definitions of success, motivation, and the real value of money. For Robin, success is making a difference in the life of a client -- and failures are your best teacher; for Barrie, winning means getting everyone involved in a project on the same page and feeling like they’ve won, too; and David says he is still searching for the job that frees his passions but doesn't see himself ever retiring -- so he's got ample time to chase his creative spark! Chaise Lounge Updates EXTENDED DEADLINE: Don’t forget about the #makemychaise design competition click this link for more info.Nick is in Dallas for Dine and Design. Follow along on our Instagram!
Our Events Page
Resources Datacolor–If you’ve ever worked with a Benjamin Moore dealer and asked for a color match, then you’ve probably worked with Datacolor without even knowing it. Now, Datacolor has announced the ColorReader, a tool that identifies paint colors from any surface and provides you the closest existing paint match right on the spot! Stop cutting out your drywall or scanning fan decks and start saving time by confirming color with the help of the ColorReader. Revolutionize your color tools and visit www.datacolor.com/may for more information.Moore & Giles, JLF Collections, Design Manager, Benjamin Moore, Porcelanosa, Universal Furniture Upcoming Events HD Expo – May 2 – 4ICFF – May 20 – 23NeoCon – June 11 – 13
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
High Point Spring Market 2018: Passion Sucks Today in The Lounge Nick sits down at High Point Market with an all-star panel to discuss “Passion Sucks. It’s All About the Money!” a forum on taking an interior design business from dreams to not only creative but financial success. On the panel is Robin Baron of Robin Baron Design in NYC; California-based designer and real estate star Barrie Livingstone (who was also Nick’s first-ever guest in The Lounge!); and David Charette of outstanding design firm Britto Charette in Miami.Also, enjoy highlight os The Morning Show with Barrie Livingstone who joins Nick as co-host to interview Jeffrey Johnson of Jeffrey Design LLC, Gary Pettit of Seasonal Living, Libby Langdon, and Kelli Ellis. Find the full live video on our Facebook Page.The Nit and Grit of GrowthNick and the designers agree that there’s no shortage of passion in the interior design industry, so the difference between firms that sink or swim are smart business practices. The panel tackles everything from liability reduction and software use through management and hiring practices, where everyone has their own style of doing things. David, in particular, offers valuable insight into management at Britto Charette, where employee perks like great healthcare, free lunches and happy hours, and potlucks aim to keep staff loyal and hardworking -- but most importantly, happy. David also discussed the challenges and blessings of partnering with his spouse, and recommends working together but in different market sectors.No Lack of PassionNick’s questioning then turned philosophical with discussions into definitions of success, motivation, and the real value of money. For Robin, success is making a difference in the life of a client -- and failures are your best teacher; for Barrie, winning means getting everyone involved in a project on the same page and feeling like they’ve won, too; and David says he is still searching for the job that frees his passions but doesn't see himself ever retiring -- so he's got ample time to chase his creative spark! Chaise Lounge Updates EXTENDED DEADLINE: Don’t forget about the #makemychaise design competition click this link for more info.Nick is in Dallas for Dine and Design. Follow along on our Instagram!
Our Events Page
Resources Datacolor–If you’ve ever worked with a Benjamin Moore dealer and asked for a color match, then you’ve probably worked with Datacolor without even knowing it. Now, Datacolor has announced the ColorReader, a tool that identifies paint colors from any surface and provides you the closest existing paint match right on the spot! Stop cutting out your drywall or scanning fan decks and start saving time by confirming color with the help of the ColorReader. Revolutionize your color tools and visit www.datacolor.com/may for more information.Moore & Giles, JLF Collections, Design Manager, Benjamin Moore, Porcelanosa, Universal Furniture Upcoming Events HD Expo – May 2 – 4ICFF – May 20 – 23NeoCon – June 11 – 13
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Vicky Serany: Southern Studio
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Today in the Lounge Nick sits down with Vicky Serany, founder, and principal of the interior design firm Southern Studio. They chat about the beauty of living in North Carolina, how Vicky has had tremendous success with her firm, and the pros and cons of business practices like outsourcing, management, and social media marketing.Vicky’s StoryVicky Serany hails from the beautiful city of Cary, North Carolina. Not only is Cary her favorite place she’s lived, but Vicky also loves to vacation at her family’s small beach cottage in the north of the state -- that is when she’s not exploring the world with her husband. She loves the beach and says her favorite childhood memories are of crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay with her family. Her favorite fashion accessory? Earrings, but more practically, glasses, and she’s partial to a Key Lime Martini in the summer after a day at the beach. Vicky knew that interior design was an interest around the second grade, when her mother let her pick out the color of carpet she’d have in her bedroom. Later, she visited a model home and felt a surge of creative energy. After volleying a few different careers and struggling to find her passion, Vicky went back to school for design at Meredith College while raising her kids -- and built such a successful firm that she never had to finish classes!The Firm: Southern StudioVicky built her firm in the midst of the Great Recession, and she actually credits the tough stretch for making her think deeply about various business models. From the beginning, she knew she had a passion for residential design and found that she loved the construction side of the business -- from exterior to plumbing, electrical, tile, and cabinets. But what she loved most, and still does, are the connections made while working with clients to design their dream homes. That guiding philosophy has been incredibly helpful: she says that business grew by about forty percent annually for six years! Now, Southern Studio has a team of eight full-time staffers to tackle management, studio administration, design, HR, and some bookkeeping, as well as an incredibly helpful intern. The firm outsources as much as possible for finances, bookkeeping, and warehousing, as well as much of their of PR and marketing. Vicky Serany says that this frees her team to be able to focus more on their strengths rather than management and administration.Challenges and Moving ForwardVicky wears a lot of hats as the head of her firm but says that her least favorite part of the job is saying “no” to clients that she knows will not be a good fit their firm. Instead, she’s instituted a screening process that her clients go through, including a rigorous interview, to ensure that they are the right fit, and the rest is a joy. She also has a fascinating definition of marketing: the connection of people. However, she’s still developing social media strategies to get that message across. Lastly, Vicky shares some sage advice: interior design is a game, and everyone plays it differently. Nobody has a handbook, and everyone is just figuring out how to do new projects. In the end, that’s what we love about interior design: we have the freedom to be creative, make mistakes, and move forward. Chaise Lounge Updates There are still opportunities to catch Nick at the Universal Showroom at High Point Market. Check out all of our High Point events here!Don’t forget about the #makemychaise design competition click this link for more info.
Our Events Page
Resources
Vicky Serany: Southern Studio
#gallery-3 { margin: auto; } #gallery-3 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-3 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-3 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } / see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php /
Today in the Lounge Nick sits down with Vicky Serany, founder, and principal of the interior design firm Southern Studio. They chat about the beauty of living in North Carolina, how Vicky has had tremendous success with her firm, and the pros and cons of business practices like outsourcing, management, and social media marketing.Vicky’s StoryVicky Serany hails from the beautiful city of Cary, North Carolina. Not only is Cary her favorite place she’s lived, but Vicky also loves to vacation at her family’s small beach cottage in the north of the state -- that is when she’s not exploring the world with her husband. She loves the beach and says her favorite childhood memories are of crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay with her family. Her favorite fashion accessory? Earrings, but more practically, glasses, and she’s partial to a Key Lime Martini in the summer after a day at the beach. Vicky knew that interior design was an interest around the second grade, when her mother let her pick out the color of carpet she’d have in her bedroom. Later, she visited a model home and felt a surge of creative energy. After volleying a few different careers and struggling to find her passion, Vicky went back to school for design at Meredith College while raising her kids -- and built such a successful firm that she never had to finish classes!The Firm: Southern StudioVicky built her firm in the midst of the Great Recession, and she actually credits the tough stretch for making her think deeply about various business models. From the beginning, she knew she had a passion for residential design and found that she loved the construction side of the business -- from exterior to plumbing, electrical, tile, and cabinets. But what she loved most, and still does, are the connections made while working with clients to design their dream homes. That guiding philosophy has been incredibly helpful: she says that business grew by about forty percent annually for six years! Now, Southern Studio has a team of eight full-time staffers to tackle management, studio administration, design, HR, and some bookkeeping, as well as an incredibly helpful intern. The firm outsources as much as possible for finances, bookkeeping, and warehousing, as well as much of their of PR and marketing. Vicky Serany says that this frees her team to be able to focus more on their strengths rather than management and administration.Challenges and Moving ForwardVicky wears a lot of hats as the head of her firm but says that her least favorite part of the job is saying “no” to clients that she knows will not be a good fit their firm. Instead, she’s instituted a screening process that her clients go through, including a rigorous interview, to ensure that they are the right fit, and the rest is a joy. She also has a fascinating definition of marketing: the connection of people. However, she’s still developing social media strategies to get that message across. Lastly, Vicky shares some sage advice: interior design is a game, and everyone plays it differently. Nobody has a handbook, and everyone is just figuring out how to do new projects. In the end, that’s what we love about interior design: we have the freedom to be creative, make mistakes, and move forward. Chaise Lounge Updates There are still opportunities to catch Nick at the Universal Showroom at High Point Market. Check out all of our High Point events here!Don’t forget about the #makemychaise design competition click this link for more info.
Our Events Page
Resources
Industry: Phyllis Harbinger and Daryl Calfee This Friday in the Lounge Nick is joined by Daryl Calfee, Vice President of Marketing for leather manufacturer and Chaise Lounge sponsor Moore & Giles, for a fascinating conversation on the history and art of luxury leather production. Plus, Moore & Giles will be giving away a FREE luxury bag for listeners who follow The Chaise Lounge podcast on social media. Details coming soon! Next, Nick chats with monthly speaker Phyllis Harbinger about hiring smart to make sure that your firm never suffers from employee issues. Daryl Calfee: Leather is a Luxury Nick sits down with Daryl Calfee, VP of Marketing for leather producer — and newest Chaise Lounge sponsor — Moore and Giles.
The Moore and Giles Story Daryl says that you’ve probably sat on Moore and Giles leather — and may even have it in your home — without knowing it. The company has been based out of Lynchburg, Virginia since the 1930s, when its founder, Donald Gray Moore, was laid off from his gig working at a local shoe factory and instead became the factory’s leather supplier. Later, the company expanded into furniture sales. In the 1990s, however, the firm switched its attention to building a new luxury, worn-in leather product and partnered with Spain-based tannery Tanerias Omega. The first order was a whopping 50,000 square feet, and despite initial challenges, they learned how to develop institutional knowledge for natural leathers. Now, Moore and Giles are a fixture in restaurants like Starbucks, hotels in Vegas, and Boeing aircraft for their vintage, worn-in and waxy leather. Passion for the Product
Daryl discusses the history of leather, which has evolved with humanity for thousands of years and has become a luxury good only relatively recently. Moore and Giles, he says, invests heavily in sustainable, high-quality rawhides from different climates for different needs — whether that means sourcing from South America, where hides are very large but thin, or a northern climate like Germany for a naturally thicker hide and is generally more free of scarring. Aside from color saturation or some light waxing, Moore and Giles avoid painting on color — which Daryl says is a cheap move to cover up a low-quality rawhide (Nick likens to a faux finish). Instead, they embrace the imperfections and celebrate that each one is going to be different. Faux leather doesn’t exist, Daryl says — it’s something else entirely. And when passion for creation and expression trumps cheap manufacturing, the money follows. Phyllis Harbinger: Hire Smart Phyllis, a regular guest in the Lounge, shares the lessons she has learned while intelligently growing her firm, Design Concepts Interiors, from a “lean and mean machine” of one into a team of creative and self-sufficient individuals. She says that she hired her first — and second — full-time employee through establishing an intern program about fifteen years ago, and invested handsomely in both. The Value of Nurturing Interns “It’s not inexpensive, but you get what you pay for,” Phyllis explains. “When you find that talent, and nurture that talent, it goes places.” Initially, Phyllis focuses on teaching and mentoring interns before raising their pay from minimum wage when they become more competent and experienced. She even Ubers her current intern to and from work in order to nurture what she considers to be an indispensable relationship. Her third employee was a former student who showed promise and drive. In time, all three grew into positions that naturally fit their personality and freed Phyllis to avoid spending time on accounting or CAD and creatively run her business. Respect Gets Respect — and Returns Above all, Phyllis says employers should be guided by respect and recommends thinking freely about hiring: whether that’s considering several part-timers over one full-timer if that is mutually beneficial; establishing a three month trial period for new hires; looking into virtual employmen...
Industry: Phyllis Harbinger and Daryl Calfee This Friday in the Lounge Nick is joined by Daryl Calfee, Vice President of Marketing for leather manufacturer and Chaise Lounge sponsor Moore & Giles, for a fascinating conversation on the history and art of luxury leather production. Plus, Moore & Giles will be giving away a FREE luxury bag for listeners who follow The Chaise Lounge podcast on social media. Details coming soon! Next, Nick chats with monthly speaker Phyllis Harbinger about hiring smart to make sure that your firm never suffers from employee issues. Daryl Calfee: Leather is a Luxury Nick sits down with Daryl Calfee, VP of Marketing for leather producer — and newest Chaise Lounge sponsor — Moore and Giles.
The Moore and Giles Story Daryl says that you’ve probably sat on Moore and Giles leather — and may even have it in your home — without knowing it. The company has been based out of Lynchburg, Virginia since the 1930s, when its founder, Donald Gray Moore, was laid off from his gig working at a local shoe factory and instead became the factory’s leather supplier. Later, the company expanded into furniture sales. In the 1990s, however, the firm switched its attention to building a new luxury, worn-in leather product and partnered with Spain-based tannery Tanerias Omega. The first order was a whopping 50,000 square feet, and despite initial challenges, they learned how to develop institutional knowledge for natural leathers. Now, Moore and Giles are a fixture in restaurants like Starbucks, hotels in Vegas, and Boeing aircraft for their vintage, worn-in and waxy leather. Passion for the Product
Daryl discusses the history of leather, which has evolved with humanity for thousands of years and has become a luxury good only relatively recently. Moore and Giles, he says, invests heavily in sustainable, high-quality rawhides from different climates for different needs — whether that means sourcing from South America, where hides are very large but thin, or a northern climate like Germany for a naturally thicker hide and is generally more free of scarring. Aside from color saturation or some light waxing, Moore and Giles avoid painting on color — which Daryl says is a cheap move to cover up a low-quality rawhide (Nick likens to a faux finish). Instead, they embrace the imperfections and celebrate that each one is going to be different. Faux leather doesn’t exist, Daryl says — it’s something else entirely. And when passion for creation and expression trumps cheap manufacturing, the money follows. Phyllis Harbinger: Hire Smart Phyllis, a regular guest in the Lounge, shares the lessons she has learned while intelligently growing her firm, Design Concepts Interiors, from a “lean and mean machine” of one into a team of creative and self-sufficient individuals. She says that she hired her first — and second — full-time employee through establishing an intern program about fifteen years ago, and invested handsomely in both. The Value of Nurturing Interns “It’s not inexpensive, but you get what you pay for,” Phyllis explains. “When you find that talent, and nurture that talent, it goes places.” Initially, Phyllis focuses on teaching and mentoring interns before raising their pay from minimum wage when they become more competent and experienced. She even Ubers her current intern to and from work in order to nurture what she considers to be an indispensable relationship. Her third employee was a former student who showed promise and drive. In time, all three grew into positions that naturally fit their personality and freed Phyllis to avoid spending time on accounting or CAD and creatively run her business. Respect Gets Respect — and Returns Above all, Phyllis says employers should be guided by respect and recommends thinking freely about hiring: whether that’s considering several part-timers over one full-timer if that is mutually beneficial; establishing a three month trial period for new hires; looking into virtual employmen...
Kristen Thomas: Timeless, Simple Designs Today in the Lounge Nick speaks with Kristen Thomas from Denver, CO. They chat about how she got into interior design, how she runs her business with her husband, and how she balances a successful career with family life. Getting to Know Kristen Kristen was born and raised in Utah and stuck around until the age of 19, when she moved out of state for college and left permanently with her husband several years later to move to California. She can’t emphasize how much she loves the Golden State, where she has raised her two kids. Kristen says that her house is still unfinished, but she adores her office and its floor-to-ceiling bookcases. When she’s not working, she enjoys listening to books on tape and loves to vacation in sunny Hawaii. How Kristen Got Started in Interior Design
Growing up, Kristen learned a variety of DIY skills from her father, who was always doing projects around the house. Her Interior Design career began full-time about ten years ago when she left the real-estate world to attend Arapahoe Community College for her degree. While in school, Kristen worked as an assistant and even took her kids to classes. With a natural ability for the real estate industry, she expanded into interior design and launched a firm in downtown Denver with a trusted partner. She and her husband then launched a firm specializing in designing and flipping houses, Studio Thomas. The Business Today The firm has grown a lot since its inception four and a half years ago and has combined the trades of real estate and interior design -- which Kristen says are both money makers. Now, she has a total of ten people on her team: marketing staff, CAD specialists, a personal assistant, lead designers -- and she also just recently hired an architect. Her husband also works on the team, specializing in fixer-uppers, and he also uses his expertise as a former lawyer to develop best business practices. Together, they work hard on residential design projects, where they re-design the entire home and increase its value. However, Kristen admits that she has more of a creative personality type and didn’t naturally drift toward business and management. That’s why she focused on building the best team of self-sufficient, driven specialists, and she works hard to ensure that they are being their best selves -- even if that means leaving the firm to pursue personal projects. For marketing, Kristen emphasizes connecting with her builders and developers -- and she says that approach has been working out: every client so far has been linked to them through a referral. In addition, her marketing director has secured ads in magazines and other podcasts, where they communicate a unique design aesthetic: mixing timelessness, simplicity, modernity, and traditional design. In other words, doing less with more. Work-Life Balance
Kristen’s family is the most important thing to her, and she arrives early every morning to leave the office by three or four in the evening. She believes that being a mom trumps everything else, although she occasionally works in the evening after her family time. She and Nick both agreed that they’re able to have a great work-life balance because they trust in their team to do their jobs without them. Kristen also believes that establishing a solid work-life balance, trust, and persistent positivity are tantamount when running a business and that these things will naturally move you to your dream career.
To learn more about Kristen visit www.studio-thomas.com and be sure to follow @studiothomas on Instagram. The Chaise Lounge Updates Join Nick Saturday morning April 14 for his forum “Passion Sucks: It’s All About the Money!”from the Universal Showroom at High Point. Check out all of our High Point events here!
Don’t forget about the #makemychaise design competition click this link for more info. Resources Datacolor–If you’ve ever worked with a Benjamin Moore dealer and asked for a co...
Kristen Thomas: Timeless, Simple Designs Today in the Lounge Nick speaks with Kristen Thomas from Denver, CO. They chat about how she got into interior design, how she runs her business with her husband, and how she balances a successful career with family life. Getting to Know Kristen Kristen was born and raised in Utah and stuck around until the age of 19, when she moved out of state for college and left permanently with her husband several years later to move to California. She can’t emphasize how much she loves the Golden State, where she has raised her two kids. Kristen says that her house is still unfinished, but she adores her office and its floor-to-ceiling bookcases. When she’s not working, she enjoys listening to books on tape and loves to vacation in sunny Hawaii. How Kristen Got Started in Interior Design
Growing up, Kristen learned a variety of DIY skills from her father, who was always doing projects around the house. Her Interior Design career began full-time about ten years ago when she left the real-estate world to attend Arapahoe Community College for her degree. While in school, Kristen worked as an assistant and even took her kids to classes. With a natural ability for the real estate industry, she expanded into interior design and launched a firm in downtown Denver with a trusted partner. She and her husband then launched a firm specializing in designing and flipping houses, Studio Thomas. The Business Today The firm has grown a lot since its inception four and a half years ago and has combined the trades of real estate and interior design -- which Kristen says are both money makers. Now, she has a total of ten people on her team: marketing staff, CAD specialists, a personal assistant, lead designers -- and she also just recently hired an architect. Her husband also works on the team, specializing in fixer-uppers, and he also uses his expertise as a former lawyer to develop best business practices. Together, they work hard on residential design projects, where they re-design the entire home and increase its value. However, Kristen admits that she has more of a creative personality type and didn’t naturally drift toward business and management. That’s why she focused on building the best team of self-sufficient, driven specialists, and she works hard to ensure that they are being their best selves -- even if that means leaving the firm to pursue personal projects. For marketing, Kristen emphasizes connecting with her builders and developers -- and she says that approach has been working out: every client so far has been linked to them through a referral. In addition, her marketing director has secured ads in magazines and other podcasts, where they communicate a unique design aesthetic: mixing timelessness, simplicity, modernity, and traditional design. In other words, doing less with more. Work-Life Balance
Kristen’s family is the most important thing to her, and she arrives early every morning to leave the office by three or four in the evening. She believes that being a mom trumps everything else, although she occasionally works in the evening after her family time. She and Nick both agreed that they’re able to have a great work-life balance because they trust in their team to do their jobs without them. Kristen also believes that establishing a solid work-life balance, trust, and persistent positivity are tantamount when running a business and that these things will naturally move you to your dream career.
To learn more about Kristen visit www.studio-thomas.com and be sure to follow @studiothomas on Instagram. The Chaise Lounge Updates Join Nick Saturday morning April 14 for his forum “Passion Sucks: It’s All About the Money!”from the Universal Showroom at High Point. Check out all of our High Point events here!
Don’t forget about the #makemychaise design competition click this link for more info. Resources Datacolor–If you’ve ever worked with a Benjamin Moore dealer and asked for a co...
Jodie O' Connor and John Dupra Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Jodie O’Connor from Jodie O' Designs. Learn about Jodie’s unique transition to design and her latest marketing initiatives. Up next, Nick interviews John Dupra of Revel Woods. Revel Woods is an online retailer of luxury hardwoods selling to both designers and end users. Learn more about their company origins, curated product selections, and exclusive trade programs. Jodie O'Connor: An Entrepreneurial Spirit
As a young child, Jodie’s parents taught her that you can do anything you want if you work hard. After receiving a degree in English from Seton Hall University in northern NJ, she realized that deep down inside she wanted to do design. She eventually went back to school with an entrepreneurial spirit to study design, working as a designer and studying simultaneously. She realized that she did not want to make a starting intern’s salary, as at this point in her life, she was older and had small children. However, she did not have the needed experience to start a new career at a higher salary. She joined a local mom’s group and would offer in-home design classes demonstrating her expertise. Functioning similarly to the Tupperware parties that were popular at the time, in these classes she offered a free in-home design consultation for the host in front of 10-15 participants who listened to her feedback and tips. Jodie ran these parties four times a week for about 2 yrs. From this, she was able to obtain clients and her business grew. Marketing Initiatives Now in business for over 20 years, Jodie employs a team of 3 with additional staff hired over the summer. She loves the construction side of design, going over the plans and conceptualizing. Her primary focus for this year is marketing. From the recession, she learned that you are at risk if you are only doing one thing, one way. Her first marketing initiative was to put an ad in a magazine but that attempt was not successful. She then started working on local show houses. She has found that it has been a great investment, provides legitimacy and puts you in touch with different people. Their local show home community receives about 30,000 visitors a month. Now on her 4th show house, Jody has paid her dues and has seen much success from this arena.
Jodie is also a big fan of writing emails. She finds that by doing this she can market herself directly to a person that needs assistance. From simply writing an inquiry offering her services she has been able to book jobs. Jodie recommends to keep the email short, no more than 3 lines, and provide a way that you can help them with their business. One of her other keys to success is to work in that you are a designer into every conversation. This year Jodie has been amping up her Facebook which has been an effective vehicle for her to book jobs. Jodie also believes in setting business goals. Her goals for this year are to work on model home and boutique hotel projects and to be on the cover of Shelter magazine.
To connect with Jodie visit her website www.jodieodesign.com or follow her on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Houzz. John Dupra - Revel Woods www.ssrphotography.com
Revel Woods is the retail line of the New York-based hardwood flooring company. Originally a regional wholesaler, the company wanted to enter into the e-commerce space but did not know how to do it. The hardwood product they sell is climate and region specific. A selected wood that works well in one part of the country may not perform as well in another part. They realized that the end user needed to be educated on this otherwise they run the risk of selecting a product that will deteriorate due to improper environmental conditions.Taking cues from the online fashion retailers, the company sought to create a curated boutique experience generated by a series of questions to enable the end user to select a high performing floor suitable to their specific needs.
Jodie O' Connor and John Dupra Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Jodie O’Connor from Jodie O' Designs. Learn about Jodie’s unique transition to design and her latest marketing initiatives. Up next, Nick interviews John Dupra of Revel Woods. Revel Woods is an online retailer of luxury hardwoods selling to both designers and end users. Learn more about their company origins, curated product selections, and exclusive trade programs. Jodie O'Connor: An Entrepreneurial Spirit
As a young child, Jodie’s parents taught her that you can do anything you want if you work hard. After receiving a degree in English from Seton Hall University in northern NJ, she realized that deep down inside she wanted to do design. She eventually went back to school with an entrepreneurial spirit to study design, working as a designer and studying simultaneously. She realized that she did not want to make a starting intern’s salary, as at this point in her life, she was older and had small children. However, she did not have the needed experience to start a new career at a higher salary. She joined a local mom’s group and would offer in-home design classes demonstrating her expertise. Functioning similarly to the Tupperware parties that were popular at the time, in these classes she offered a free in-home design consultation for the host in front of 10-15 participants who listened to her feedback and tips. Jodie ran these parties four times a week for about 2 yrs. From this, she was able to obtain clients and her business grew. Marketing Initiatives Now in business for over 20 years, Jodie employs a team of 3 with additional staff hired over the summer. She loves the construction side of design, going over the plans and conceptualizing. Her primary focus for this year is marketing. From the recession, she learned that you are at risk if you are only doing one thing, one way. Her first marketing initiative was to put an ad in a magazine but that attempt was not successful. She then started working on local show houses. She has found that it has been a great investment, provides legitimacy and puts you in touch with different people. Their local show home community receives about 30,000 visitors a month. Now on her 4th show house, Jody has paid her dues and has seen much success from this arena.
Jodie is also a big fan of writing emails. She finds that by doing this she can market herself directly to a person that needs assistance. From simply writing an inquiry offering her services she has been able to book jobs. Jodie recommends to keep the email short, no more than 3 lines, and provide a way that you can help them with their business. One of her other keys to success is to work in that you are a designer into every conversation. This year Jodie has been amping up her Facebook which has been an effective vehicle for her to book jobs. Jodie also believes in setting business goals. Her goals for this year are to work on model home and boutique hotel projects and to be on the cover of Shelter magazine.
To connect with Jodie visit her website www.jodieodesign.com or follow her on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Houzz. John Dupra - Revel Woods www.ssrphotography.com
Revel Woods is the retail line of the New York-based hardwood flooring company. Originally a regional wholesaler, the company wanted to enter into the e-commerce space but did not know how to do it. The hardwood product they sell is climate and region specific. A selected wood that works well in one part of the country may not perform as well in another part. They realized that the end user needed to be educated on this otherwise they run the risk of selecting a product that will deteriorate due to improper environmental conditions.Taking cues from the online fashion retailers, the company sought to create a curated boutique experience generated by a series of questions to enable the end user to select a high performing floor suitable to their specific needs.
Rob Klein & Amy Kreutz: Kitchen Design-off Today in the Lounge Nick Speaks with Rob Klein and Amy Kreutz from Carmel, Indiana. Rob and Amy are partners at Conceptual Kitchens. They talk about how they each fell into the design world, even though it wasn't exactly what they thought they wanted to do. They also talk about the unique kitchens they design for clients whether the budget is big or small. Getting to Know Rob and Amy
Rob and Amy are partners in business. Rob grew up and has lived in Carmel almost all his life. Amy grew up in a small rural town outside of Indianapolis. She attended Ball State University in Muncie. Amy’s favorite fashion accessory is her watch because it's stylish and.... she’s always a tad late to the office. Rob’s favorite inspirational books are military books. Beer, Wine, or Cocktail? Rob prefers straight tequila. Amy prefers wine. How Rob and Amy got their Start Amy got interested in design from her art classes. She would play in the yard with her brother and create homes and communities with sticks. She loved drawing and drafting classes in high school. Rob has always been creative. He attended Kenyon College and majored in Fine Arts and Economics. After college, he worked for his dad’s construction company and drew homes for his dad. He did that for seven years and learned a tremendous amount working with his dad. After that, he started Conceptual Kitchens in the late 90s. When Amy was a freshman she found that there was an overabundance of architects coming out of school not getting jobs. She then decided to get a degree in design and a minor in marketing. The duo came together when Amy walked into the showroom saying that Rob needed to hire her, and he did. The Business Today
Amy became partner a little over a year ago, after being together for five and half years. Rob and Amy both wear all the hats. They find this beneficial because they really help each other out. They are a four-person organization with two independent subcontractors. They have about 40 clients that they are working with in various states. They finish about 12-15 kitchens a year. The majority of their business comes from word of mouth. They work with five cabinet lines that all make custom cabinets in-house. Rob and Amy both talk with the client to get a feel for what they want, and then have a design-off. They both come up with their own interpretation of the client's desires and present each of their ideas to see which kitchen the customer wants. As far as budget goes, they total appliances and cabinets with a ballpark figure and then get into more specifics to get a feel for the clients reaction. The three factors that help decide which cabinet manufacturer they’re going to work with are budget, lead time, and finish.
To learn more about Conceptual Kitchens visit their website and Instagram @ckandm.
Upcoming Events
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Rob Klein & Amy Kreutz: Kitchen Design-off Today in the Lounge Nick Speaks with Rob Klein and Amy Kreutz from Carmel, Indiana. Rob and Amy are partners at Conceptual Kitchens. They talk about how they each fell into the design world, even though it wasn't exactly what they thought they wanted to do. They also talk about the unique kitchens they design for clients whether the budget is big or small. Getting to Know Rob and Amy
Rob and Amy are partners in business. Rob grew up and has lived in Carmel almost all his life. Amy grew up in a small rural town outside of Indianapolis. She attended Ball State University in Muncie. Amy’s favorite fashion accessory is her watch because it's stylish and.... she’s always a tad late to the office. Rob’s favorite inspirational books are military books. Beer, Wine, or Cocktail? Rob prefers straight tequila. Amy prefers wine. How Rob and Amy got their Start Amy got interested in design from her art classes. She would play in the yard with her brother and create homes and communities with sticks. She loved drawing and drafting classes in high school. Rob has always been creative. He attended Kenyon College and majored in Fine Arts and Economics. After college, he worked for his dad’s construction company and drew homes for his dad. He did that for seven years and learned a tremendous amount working with his dad. After that, he started Conceptual Kitchens in the late 90s. When Amy was a freshman she found that there was an overabundance of architects coming out of school not getting jobs. She then decided to get a degree in design and a minor in marketing. The duo came together when Amy walked into the showroom saying that Rob needed to hire her, and he did. The Business Today
Amy became partner a little over a year ago, after being together for five and half years. Rob and Amy both wear all the hats. They find this beneficial because they really help each other out. They are a four-person organization with two independent subcontractors. They have about 40 clients that they are working with in various states. They finish about 12-15 kitchens a year. The majority of their business comes from word of mouth. They work with five cabinet lines that all make custom cabinets in-house. Rob and Amy both talk with the client to get a feel for what they want, and then have a design-off. They both come up with their own interpretation of the client's desires and present each of their ideas to see which kitchen the customer wants. As far as budget goes, they total appliances and cabinets with a ballpark figure and then get into more specifics to get a feel for the clients reaction. The three factors that help decide which cabinet manufacturer they’re going to work with are budget, lead time, and finish.
To learn more about Conceptual Kitchens visit their website and Instagram @ckandm.
Upcoming Events
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Danielle Sylvia: 30 Under 30 Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Danielle Sylvia, a recipient of NKBA’s “30 Under 30” award at 2018’s KBIS convention. She talks about what got her interested in interior design, how she got started, and what her plans are for the future. Getting to Know Danielle
Danielle grew up in Rochester, Massachusetts. She was always interested in interior design from having watched HGTV at age seven and building homes in The Sims computer game. When she’s not working, she’s chilling out at her new home or working on decorating it. She enjoys cranberry vodkas and wearing rings or anything made from rose gold. Coastal Living
Danielle went to Point Loma Nazarene University in California for a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts and Interior Design. She got two internships during her schooling first by applying then providing a portfolio of her school projects during the interview.
Now, Danielle has moved back to her hometown in Massachusetts where she works for KB Details. She works on projects from the concept stage to the installation. Her designs attempt to incorporate classic looks with modern styles and she hopes to incorporate some of the inspiration she got from KBIS in her designs moving forward.
To learn more about KB Details, visit kbdetails.com. You can also check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/kbdetails
Visit Danielle on her personal Instagram page @danielle__sylvia.
Upcoming Events
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Danielle Sylvia: 30 Under 30 Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Danielle Sylvia, a recipient of NKBA’s “30 Under 30” award at 2018’s KBIS convention. She talks about what got her interested in interior design, how she got started, and what her plans are for the future. Getting to Know Danielle
Danielle grew up in Rochester, Massachusetts. She was always interested in interior design from having watched HGTV at age seven and building homes in The Sims computer game. When she’s not working, she’s chilling out at her new home or working on decorating it. She enjoys cranberry vodkas and wearing rings or anything made from rose gold. Coastal Living
Danielle went to Point Loma Nazarene University in California for a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts and Interior Design. She got two internships during her schooling first by applying then providing a portfolio of her school projects during the interview.
Now, Danielle has moved back to her hometown in Massachusetts where she works for KB Details. She works on projects from the concept stage to the installation. Her designs attempt to incorporate classic looks with modern styles and she hopes to incorporate some of the inspiration she got from KBIS in her designs moving forward.
To learn more about KB Details, visit kbdetails.com. You can also check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/kbdetails
Visit Danielle on her personal Instagram page @danielle__sylvia.
Upcoming Events
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Kendall Simmons: Southern Charm with an Edge Today in The Lounge, Nick talks to Kendall Simmons of Kendall Simmons Interiors, Southern charm with an edge. Kendall talks about her journey to design, how she developed and grew her business, and plans for the future (hint: E-Design!). Kendall's Journey to Design
Kendall was born in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, but lived in Tennessee for high school and has relocated back to Nashville, and loves it there. She grew up in a home with a very artful and creative mother and believes this is where her interest in design developed. She has traveled all over the world and feels that when you are limited in language by being in another country or culture, you become an observer and really pay attention to lots of visual information. Kendall knew she wanted to pursue design in college and said she was able to intern during the summers for a few weeks at a time. During these internships, she felt she really learned valuable information about what she did and didn’t want to do.
Kendall moved to New York after college for a job with Campion Platt (an architecture firm). She then returned to Tennessee and took a job with McAlpin (an interior design and architecture firm) and got a world of knowledge and experience. She then opened her own firm and has had it for 4 years now. Kendall says going off on her own was like “jumping off a cliff,” but after contemplating it over a year she gave notice and jumped in. Doubt immediately filled her mind until she received 2 emails pretty quickly asking for her help to design spaces. She’s glad she did not open the business too soon and admits the timing was “serendipitous.” Kendall’s upbringing in Nashville gave her a splash of Southern Charm and it’s combined with the “edge” of her New York experience and her younger clients’ perspectives. The perfect combination! The Company
Kendall Simmons Interiors is run by just her and her husband, Kane, who helps with business development, management and outreach - this helps free up her time to be creative. She has had some interns, but these have not been consistent, so she doesn’t rely on them at this time. Although Kendall admits she does not really do any “true” marketing, she has found success in other ways. Her husband, Kane, will outreach to bloggers and other individuals and companies they think will be a good collaboration. Kendall is also very involved with her website and supervises everything on it to make sure it is user-friendly with lots of visuals. She wants it to feel approachable and be a good representation of all the projects she has done and the services she provides. Insta-Success Kendall talks with Nick about the success she has had from Instagram and how she has over 9,000 followers. She talks about how most of her clients are young and love the visuals on Instagram and she gets referrals this way. Kendall recommends Instagram updates every day with new content to always keep followers wanting more. Kendall gives 3 tips to build success on Instagram:
1) Invest in getting your work professionally photographed. Check to see if there are local photographers who are looking to build content as well - team together.
2) Post on a regular schedule. Kendall will post every day, sometimes twice. She says this consistency keeps you in their mind and they want to see what you’ll post next.
3) Devote time - put posting on social media on the calendar every day as a “to-do” item. Make it important and it will pay off. The Future is Bright in Nashville Kendall’s younger clients typically have not had experience with a professional interior designer before and some want to do the work on their own and just need a roadmap of how to get there. So, Kendall started a web-based E-Design service for those clients with lower budgets. Interested clients give her a detailed questionnaire (including measurements) and can upload an inspiration board. She gets back to them within 2 weeks with information ab...
Kendall Simmons: Southern Charm with an Edge Today in The Lounge, Nick talks to Kendall Simmons of Kendall Simmons Interiors, Southern charm with an edge. Kendall talks about her journey to design, how she developed and grew her business, and plans for the future (hint: E-Design!). Kendall's Journey to Design
Kendall was born in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, but lived in Tennessee for high school and has relocated back to Nashville, and loves it there. She grew up in a home with a very artful and creative mother and believes this is where her interest in design developed. She has traveled all over the world and feels that when you are limited in language by being in another country or culture, you become an observer and really pay attention to lots of visual information. Kendall knew she wanted to pursue design in college and said she was able to intern during the summers for a few weeks at a time. During these internships, she felt she really learned valuable information about what she did and didn’t want to do.
Kendall moved to New York after college for a job with Campion Platt (an architecture firm). She then returned to Tennessee and took a job with McAlpin (an interior design and architecture firm) and got a world of knowledge and experience. She then opened her own firm and has had it for 4 years now. Kendall says going off on her own was like “jumping off a cliff,” but after contemplating it over a year she gave notice and jumped in. Doubt immediately filled her mind until she received 2 emails pretty quickly asking for her help to design spaces. She’s glad she did not open the business too soon and admits the timing was “serendipitous.” Kendall’s upbringing in Nashville gave her a splash of Southern Charm and it’s combined with the “edge” of her New York experience and her younger clients’ perspectives. The perfect combination! The Company
Kendall Simmons Interiors is run by just her and her husband, Kane, who helps with business development, management and outreach - this helps free up her time to be creative. She has had some interns, but these have not been consistent, so she doesn’t rely on them at this time. Although Kendall admits she does not really do any “true” marketing, she has found success in other ways. Her husband, Kane, will outreach to bloggers and other individuals and companies they think will be a good collaboration. Kendall is also very involved with her website and supervises everything on it to make sure it is user-friendly with lots of visuals. She wants it to feel approachable and be a good representation of all the projects she has done and the services she provides. Insta-Success Kendall talks with Nick about the success she has had from Instagram and how she has over 9,000 followers. She talks about how most of her clients are young and love the visuals on Instagram and she gets referrals this way. Kendall recommends Instagram updates every day with new content to always keep followers wanting more. Kendall gives 3 tips to build success on Instagram:
1) Invest in getting your work professionally photographed. Check to see if there are local photographers who are looking to build content as well - team together.
2) Post on a regular schedule. Kendall will post every day, sometimes twice. She says this consistency keeps you in their mind and they want to see what you’ll post next.
3) Devote time - put posting on social media on the calendar every day as a “to-do” item. Make it important and it will pay off. The Future is Bright in Nashville Kendall’s younger clients typically have not had experience with a professional interior designer before and some want to do the work on their own and just need a roadmap of how to get there. So, Kendall started a web-based E-Design service for those clients with lower budgets. Interested clients give her a detailed questionnaire (including measurements) and can upload an inspiration board. She gets back to them within 2 weeks with information ab...
200th Episode - Design Bloggers Conference Today in The Lounge, Nick celebrates his 200th episode at The Design Bloggers Conference, an integral reason for how The Chaise Lounge has gotten to where it is today. Special shout out to Design Manager, one of the first sponsors of the show, Benjamin Moore who has been with the show from the beginning, and Porcelanosa. Nick chats with designer and fellow podcaster, Rachel Moriarity, Jeanine and Brian from Aprhochic, Tina Nicole co-founder of Nathan Anthony, the ladies of Four Friends Designs, award-winning fabric designer Mally Skok and finally concludes with Caroline Hipple of Norwalk Furniture and Aviva Stanoff. Stay tuned to the end of the show for the latest Chaise Lounge Updates and JLF Contest Announcement!
Rachel Moriarty Rachel Moriarty is attending The Design Bloggers Conference for the second time. This year she is attending as both a designer and a podcaster. She is now in the second year of her Podcast, Design + Style, which she produces twice a week with co-host Dixie, and as always, is traveling with her co-host, Flat Dixie. For Rachel, the experience at the DBC is different each time. This year she is interested in affiliate marketing and connecting with brands in the networking lounge. To connect with Rachel visit her website and her podcast.
Jeanine and Brian from Aphrochic Aphrochic is an Interior Design firm specializing in commercial, residential, branding, and product design. They are the first black company to have their own line of paint, are authors and also have a show on HGTV House Hunter’s page, Sneak Peak with Aphrochic. Their company started with an idea of modern design and culture within the home decor space. Although not designers by training, Jeanne is an attorney and Brian is an academic, they started a blog writing about design with a highlight on diversity. What started as a hobby eventually became their profession. Soon they discovered a product gap in the market where they didn't see products geared towards people of color. This led them to their first book deal. For Aphrochic design is an ethnographic study into who a person is. Brands now come to them because they like their aesthetic and their focus on the intersection between modern design and global culture. To learn more, follow Aprochic on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook or visit their website. Tina Nicole Tina Nicole is the co-founder of Nathan Anthony, a furniture company with LA origins, known for their custom furniture pieces and colorful tone. The company started in 2005 when her husband, a local mattress, and sofa manufacturer who owned his own factory, asked her to come in and pick fabrics. Naming the business after their son, they did a few local trade shows and then the business took off. They now showcase their products at High Point Market and Design Bloggers Conference. This is their first year attending and showcasing at the Conference. To learn more visit their website or follow them on Instagram and Twitter. Four Friends Designs
Elizabeth, Meg, Renee and Sheila, the owners of Four Friends Design all went to school together at the New York School of Design. After school, the four friends moved away from New York and worked at top design firms across the country. Although they have been on their own for 10 years they continued to stay in touch, utilizing each other as design resources. About two years ago they had the idea to harness the power of their collective minds and various design styles and resources into one business. They started a blog called Four Friends Design which they manage in addition to their full-time job, each taking turns writing posts. The goal of the interiors and lifestyle focused blog is to tell the real truth, from four different perspectives from designers spanning four distinct regions of the United States. To learn more, visit their website, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Leslie Price Leslie Price had a life-changing moment after he...
200th Episode - Design Bloggers Conference Today in The Lounge, Nick celebrates his 200th episode at The Design Bloggers Conference, an integral reason for how The Chaise Lounge has gotten to where it is today. Special shout out to Design Manager, one of the first sponsors of the show, Benjamin Moore who has been with the show from the beginning, and Porcelanosa. Nick chats with designer and fellow podcaster, Rachel Moriarity, Jeanine and Brian from Aprhochic, Tina Nicole co-founder of Nathan Anthony, the ladies of Four Friends Designs, award-winning fabric designer Mally Skok and finally concludes with Caroline Hipple of Norwalk Furniture and Aviva Stanoff. Stay tuned to the end of the show for the latest Chaise Lounge Updates and JLF Contest Announcement!
Rachel Moriarty Rachel Moriarty is attending The Design Bloggers Conference for the second time. This year she is attending as both a designer and a podcaster. She is now in the second year of her Podcast, Design + Style, which she produces twice a week with co-host Dixie, and as always, is traveling with her co-host, Flat Dixie. For Rachel, the experience at the DBC is different each time. This year she is interested in affiliate marketing and connecting with brands in the networking lounge. To connect with Rachel visit her website and her podcast.
Jeanine and Brian from Aphrochic Aphrochic is an Interior Design firm specializing in commercial, residential, branding, and product design. They are the first black company to have their own line of paint, are authors and also have a show on HGTV House Hunter’s page, Sneak Peak with Aphrochic. Their company started with an idea of modern design and culture within the home decor space. Although not designers by training, Jeanne is an attorney and Brian is an academic, they started a blog writing about design with a highlight on diversity. What started as a hobby eventually became their profession. Soon they discovered a product gap in the market where they didn't see products geared towards people of color. This led them to their first book deal. For Aphrochic design is an ethnographic study into who a person is. Brands now come to them because they like their aesthetic and their focus on the intersection between modern design and global culture. To learn more, follow Aprochic on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook or visit their website. Tina Nicole Tina Nicole is the co-founder of Nathan Anthony, a furniture company with LA origins, known for their custom furniture pieces and colorful tone. The company started in 2005 when her husband, a local mattress, and sofa manufacturer who owned his own factory, asked her to come in and pick fabrics. Naming the business after their son, they did a few local trade shows and then the business took off. They now showcase their products at High Point Market and Design Bloggers Conference. This is their first year attending and showcasing at the Conference. To learn more visit their website or follow them on Instagram and Twitter. Four Friends Designs
Elizabeth, Meg, Renee and Sheila, the owners of Four Friends Design all went to school together at the New York School of Design. After school, the four friends moved away from New York and worked at top design firms across the country. Although they have been on their own for 10 years they continued to stay in touch, utilizing each other as design resources. About two years ago they had the idea to harness the power of their collective minds and various design styles and resources into one business. They started a blog called Four Friends Design which they manage in addition to their full-time job, each taking turns writing posts. The goal of the interiors and lifestyle focused blog is to tell the real truth, from four different perspectives from designers spanning four distinct regions of the United States. To learn more, visit their website, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Leslie Price Leslie Price had a life-changing moment after he...
Industry: Personal Branding Today in The Lounge Nick speaks with Phyllis Harbinger about an important topic, personal branding. As a bit of twist, Nick gets interviewed by Phyllis this week. She asks about how KBIS went for Nick and how doing the podcasts affects Nicks first business, Walls by Design. Both Phyllis and Nick give advice on how to figure out your own personal brand and finally, they discuss Nick's wants in the near future for his podcasts. How Does Nick Do It All? During KBIS, Nick was in the midsts of starting his painting podcast, The Business Brush. He was able to work with Home Advisor and interview the guys from This Old House. As a result of Nick traveling a lot, he decided to start a Facebook Live show, every Wednesday called, Where in the World is Nick? Nick says that podcasting as a whole has elevated his name and brand in the industry. His painting business, Walls By Design, is so successful because of his great team paving the way for him to be away and trust they can handle the business. He still hires painters, deals with big picture stuff, and oversees the sales team but most other painting business owners still paint, do all the estimates, and answer the phones. Building Your Own Personal Brand When you are building your brand, you want to be successful and reach far. To do that it’s great to know what kind of support system you have in both your business and your life. As you think through where you want to go in your business, you need to know what you want it to look like and you have to be willing to do all the hard work to get it there. What you want may change as your business grows and develops, and that’s okay. Having a business is all about networking and getting people to know who you are, as well as what you can do for them. You can never get to do the big things until you start with the small things. You should also embrace the new technology out there.
In the near future, Nick hopes for opportunities for speaking engagements. He also wants to laser focus on speaking at markets. He hopes to continue to double the listeners and sponsors for his shows. One phrase that helps people understand the personal brand that is Nick May is "What do you want to be known for?" Your name stands for something so, think about what you want to be known for, or known as, and create your niche.
To learn more about Phyllis feel free to email her at info@harbingerdesignconsulting.com or check out her website and her book. Updates Be sure to listen to next week’s show, it’s a special one, our 200th episode!! Live from the Designers Bloggers Conference. Resources Design Manager 30-day free trial plus a 90-day money back guarantee only for Chaise Lounge listeners.
Porcelanosa They don’t just to tile, they also do cabinetry, fixtures, faucets, shower enclosures and building supplies.
Upcoming Events
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Industry: Personal Branding Today in The Lounge Nick speaks with Phyllis Harbinger about an important topic, personal branding. As a bit of twist, Nick gets interviewed by Phyllis this week. She asks about how KBIS went for Nick and how doing the podcasts affects Nicks first business, Walls by Design. Both Phyllis and Nick give advice on how to figure out your own personal brand and finally, they discuss Nick's wants in the near future for his podcasts. How Does Nick Do It All? During KBIS, Nick was in the midsts of starting his painting podcast, The Business Brush. He was able to work with Home Advisor and interview the guys from This Old House. As a result of Nick traveling a lot, he decided to start a Facebook Live show, every Wednesday called, Where in the World is Nick? Nick says that podcasting as a whole has elevated his name and brand in the industry. His painting business, Walls By Design, is so successful because of his great team paving the way for him to be away and trust they can handle the business. He still hires painters, deals with big picture stuff, and oversees the sales team but most other painting business owners still paint, do all the estimates, and answer the phones. Building Your Own Personal Brand When you are building your brand, you want to be successful and reach far. To do that it’s great to know what kind of support system you have in both your business and your life. As you think through where you want to go in your business, you need to know what you want it to look like and you have to be willing to do all the hard work to get it there. What you want may change as your business grows and develops, and that’s okay. Having a business is all about networking and getting people to know who you are, as well as what you can do for them. You can never get to do the big things until you start with the small things. You should also embrace the new technology out there.
In the near future, Nick hopes for opportunities for speaking engagements. He also wants to laser focus on speaking at markets. He hopes to continue to double the listeners and sponsors for his shows. One phrase that helps people understand the personal brand that is Nick May is "What do you want to be known for?" Your name stands for something so, think about what you want to be known for, or known as, and create your niche.
To learn more about Phyllis feel free to email her at info@harbingerdesignconsulting.com or check out her website and her book. Updates Be sure to listen to next week’s show, it’s a special one, our 200th episode!! Live from the Designers Bloggers Conference. Resources Design Manager 30-day free trial plus a 90-day money back guarantee only for Chaise Lounge listeners.
Porcelanosa They don’t just to tile, they also do cabinetry, fixtures, faucets, shower enclosures and building supplies.
Upcoming Events
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Betsy Nathan: Collecting Feng Xue Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Betsy Nathan from Chicago about her business, Pagoda Red. Betsy had been collecting 18th and 19th-century Chinese furniture and putting them in a gallery until recently, where she is now beginning to branch out into African and European art. She and Nick talk about her inspirations and what fuels her interest in art and furniture. China in the 1990s Betsy is the youngest in a family of four siblings with a considerable age gap between her and them. Her older siblings traveled around the world as she was growing up and brought back exciting stories about where they had been, which inspired her to do the same when she grew up. Betsy's mother was also a contemporary art dealer who exposed her to the world of art throughout her upbringing. In her adulthood, Betsy worked for a cross-cultural consulting firm in the 1990s that worked with many Chinese clients. This eventually prompted her to live in China for two years to study Mandarin. While studying abroad, she gained a deep interest in Chinese furniture from the 18th and 19th century because of the symbolic meaning tied in with the designs.
The Beginning of Pagoda Red When she came back to the United States, she had collected a few furniture pieces that a friend of hers thought would be great to exhibit in a gallery. She agreed with the idea and thus the idea for Pagoda Red was seeded. However, this friend “chickened- out” (as Betsy put it) last minute, but rather than give up, Betsy decided to start the business on her own. When Pagoda Red first began, there was a bit of superstition surrounding Feng Xue, but since then the superstition has ebbed, allowing Betsy’s business to prosper. Pagoda Red Today Today, Betsy seeks furniture that are unusual examples of traditional or common pieces. She focuses mainly on Chinese furniture that was created for the middle market in the 18th and 19th century as well.Pagoda Red recently loaned a few of its pieces to the Chicago botanic gardens for their 10,000 orchid display. Pagoda Red also offers a trade program for designers intended to extend themselves the way they do in a gallery, online.
To learn more about Pagoda Red, check out www.pagodared.com and go to www.pagodared.com/trade_program to learn more about their trade program.
Upcoming Events
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Betsy Nathan: Collecting Feng Xue Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Betsy Nathan from Chicago about her business, Pagoda Red. Betsy had been collecting 18th and 19th-century Chinese furniture and putting them in a gallery until recently, where she is now beginning to branch out into African and European art. She and Nick talk about her inspirations and what fuels her interest in art and furniture. China in the 1990s Betsy is the youngest in a family of four siblings with a considerable age gap between her and them. Her older siblings traveled around the world as she was growing up and brought back exciting stories about where they had been, which inspired her to do the same when she grew up. Betsy's mother was also a contemporary art dealer who exposed her to the world of art throughout her upbringing. In her adulthood, Betsy worked for a cross-cultural consulting firm in the 1990s that worked with many Chinese clients. This eventually prompted her to live in China for two years to study Mandarin. While studying abroad, she gained a deep interest in Chinese furniture from the 18th and 19th century because of the symbolic meaning tied in with the designs.
The Beginning of Pagoda Red When she came back to the United States, she had collected a few furniture pieces that a friend of hers thought would be great to exhibit in a gallery. She agreed with the idea and thus the idea for Pagoda Red was seeded. However, this friend “chickened- out” (as Betsy put it) last minute, but rather than give up, Betsy decided to start the business on her own. When Pagoda Red first began, there was a bit of superstition surrounding Feng Xue, but since then the superstition has ebbed, allowing Betsy’s business to prosper. Pagoda Red Today Today, Betsy seeks furniture that are unusual examples of traditional or common pieces. She focuses mainly on Chinese furniture that was created for the middle market in the 18th and 19th century as well.Pagoda Red recently loaned a few of its pieces to the Chicago botanic gardens for their 10,000 orchid display. Pagoda Red also offers a trade program for designers intended to extend themselves the way they do in a gallery, online.
To learn more about Pagoda Red, check out www.pagodared.com and go to www.pagodared.com/trade_program to learn more about their trade program.
Upcoming Events
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Margaret McMahon From Temp to Managing Director Today in the Lounge Nick speaks with Margaret McMahon, the Managing Director for Wimberly Interiors from WATG. Margaret talks about her unusual introduction into the interior design world, what her job at WATG entails, and what she looks for when she hires interns. Getting to Know Margaret Margaret McMahon grew up in Douglaston, Queens. Her favorite vacation spot is Ireland. She loves road trips, the people and the bad weather from there. She went to school and attended SUNY Albany and then DIS, Danish International Studies in Copenhagen. Beer, wine, or cocktail? She hasn’t had alcohol in 9 years. She pretends to be drinking with a club soda, cranberry juice, and a lime. How Margaret Got Her Start When her father refused to pay for law school, Margaret windsurfed and smoked pot instead. Her mother ended up helping her by telling her to go to Kelly Services, a temp agency, and find a job. Trisha Wilson Associates was hiring for someone to cut matboards. Margaret was hired and ended up helping put together a presentation for the bankers' trust offices in Cairo, Egypt. She also took out the trash and got doughnuts. Margaret earned her two-year certificate in interior design at night while working for Trisha. She says that she learned things in school but in the ends was trained most by her clients. Not to mention Trisha Wilson was an amazing mentor. WATG
WATG is an international architecture firm. Wimberly Interiors is the interior design firm within WATG. She has been with the firm for seven years. She is the Managing Director at Wimberly Interiors. Starting out, her job was to assess the business and open up a studio in New York. Her first year was tough because no one knew that she was coming into the firm. Today, Margaret's day to day really varies. She helps out the other WATG firms in Singapore or LA if they need help they help and vice versa. She often travels for projects. Margaret looks at proposals, manages staffing, and oversees financial work. There are some days where is she is completely bogged down with admin work that going out to the floor and just looking at the designs helps her unwind. She is very good at critiquing and giving advice on projects. Her job has no set definition because it changes every day. What Margaret Looks for in an Intern As an intern, or someone looking to get into the industry, you have to be willing to make it happen. Young people have to remember that this business is a learning process. Margaret doesn’t care where you went to school, what really matters is your work ethic and your outlook on life. They absolutely look at portfolios and resumes when hiring. If you don't’ have the same opportunities as someone going to a private school, if you're going to a public university or community college, you can still get the same opportunities, it just depends on how you author yourself. Even if your portfolio isn’t all that great you can still sell yourself. Margaret and her team will certainly give you a try if you show you are worth it. Even if you are not required to do an internship for credit, Margaret highly recommends getting one to receive experience in the field. If you’re passionate enough about the job you want and you do what it takes, you will be successful.
To learn more visit Wimberly Interiors and follow Margaret on Instagram. Resources Benjamin Moore
Porcelanosa
Design Manager
Universal Furniture
Upcoming Events
Design Bloggers Conference – March 4 – 6
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big,
Margaret McMahon From Temp to Managing Director Today in the Lounge Nick speaks with Margaret McMahon, the Managing Director for Wimberly Interiors from WATG. Margaret talks about her unusual introduction into the interior design world, what her job at WATG entails, and what she looks for when she hires interns. Getting to Know Margaret Margaret McMahon grew up in Douglaston, Queens. Her favorite vacation spot is Ireland. She loves road trips, the people and the bad weather from there. She went to school and attended SUNY Albany and then DIS, Danish International Studies in Copenhagen. Beer, wine, or cocktail? She hasn’t had alcohol in 9 years. She pretends to be drinking with a club soda, cranberry juice, and a lime. How Margaret Got Her Start When her father refused to pay for law school, Margaret windsurfed and smoked pot instead. Her mother ended up helping her by telling her to go to Kelly Services, a temp agency, and find a job. Trisha Wilson Associates was hiring for someone to cut matboards. Margaret was hired and ended up helping put together a presentation for the bankers' trust offices in Cairo, Egypt. She also took out the trash and got doughnuts. Margaret earned her two-year certificate in interior design at night while working for Trisha. She says that she learned things in school but in the ends was trained most by her clients. Not to mention Trisha Wilson was an amazing mentor. WATG
WATG is an international architecture firm. Wimberly Interiors is the interior design firm within WATG. She has been with the firm for seven years. She is the Managing Director at Wimberly Interiors. Starting out, her job was to assess the business and open up a studio in New York. Her first year was tough because no one knew that she was coming into the firm. Today, Margaret's day to day really varies. She helps out the other WATG firms in Singapore or LA if they need help they help and vice versa. She often travels for projects. Margaret looks at proposals, manages staffing, and oversees financial work. There are some days where is she is completely bogged down with admin work that going out to the floor and just looking at the designs helps her unwind. She is very good at critiquing and giving advice on projects. Her job has no set definition because it changes every day. What Margaret Looks for in an Intern As an intern, or someone looking to get into the industry, you have to be willing to make it happen. Young people have to remember that this business is a learning process. Margaret doesn’t care where you went to school, what really matters is your work ethic and your outlook on life. They absolutely look at portfolios and resumes when hiring. If you don't’ have the same opportunities as someone going to a private school, if you're going to a public university or community college, you can still get the same opportunities, it just depends on how you author yourself. Even if your portfolio isn’t all that great you can still sell yourself. Margaret and her team will certainly give you a try if you show you are worth it. Even if you are not required to do an internship for credit, Margaret highly recommends getting one to receive experience in the field. If you’re passionate enough about the job you want and you do what it takes, you will be successful.
To learn more visit Wimberly Interiors and follow Margaret on Instagram. Resources Benjamin Moore
Porcelanosa
Design Manager
Universal Furniture
Upcoming Events
Design Bloggers Conference – March 4 – 6
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big,
(Click the photos for more information!) Laura Thurman- Nashville Design with LA Flair Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Laura Thurman of Thuman Design Studio. Learn about Laura’s pathway to design, her transition from LA to Nashville, and how she harnesses the power of networking and social media to grow her interior design business. Pathway to Design Originally from LA, Laura Thurman moved to Nashville, TN five years ago. As a child, she enjoyed painting, drawing, dancing and re-arranging her bedroom furniture. These interests ultimately lead to her future career as an Interior Designer. After receiving her degree in Interior Architecture from Woodbury University, Laura began freelancing as a graphic designer in LA, before landing a job with a commercial furniture dealer. While working in commercial sales she learned how form and function plays a crucial role in product selection and how to think both ergonomically and spatially. After working in commercial sales Laura went on to work for local residential interior design firms before venturing out to start her own business. The Business Today
Before starting her own business, Laura spent six months developing her business cards, website, logo and resource library so she was prepared to go out on her own. Now after three years in business, she feels more established. Today, about 50% of her business is working with builders and developers making new construction product selections and the rest is working with the custom residential client. Her workload typically comes in batches of about 4-5 projects at a time. Laura attributes the power of networking as a key to her success. Laura decided to join a BNI professional networking group, which she attributes to helping her learn how to present herself to people. She has also found networking success through Linked In, and by simply reaching out. A fellow design colleague introduced her to Universal Furniture whom she collaborated with on a video series focusing on the behind the scene world of designers. Laura recommends using collaborations and partnerships and to think outside of the box to get your idea sponsored in a way that equally benefits both parties.
In addition to networking opportunities, Laura is also very active on Houzz. Houzz has generated some quality leads for her business. To be successful at Houzz, be timely with your response to inquiries. As Houzz may not work for everyone, Thumbtack offers a similar platform. Showing up to industry events has also been a key element to help grow her business. Next up, Laura will be attending the Design Bloggers Conference for the first time. Although a smaller venue than some of the other design shows, The Design Bloggers Conference attendees represent some of the biggest movers and shakers in the industry.
To connect with Laura, visit her Instagram page, website, or blog for the latest updates.
More from Laura: Nashville Ivy Designer Gathering with Laura Thurman, Amy Flurry & Kathy Kinton 3 Easy Interior Home Decor Ideas That Won’t Break The Bank Prep Your Guest Bedroom for the Holidays
Fall Holiday Prep and Checklist
Resources Benjamin Moore
Porcelanosa
Design Manager
Universal Furniture
Upcoming Events
Design Bloggers Conference – March 4 – 6
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
(Click the photos for more information!) Laura Thurman- Nashville Design with LA Flair Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Laura Thurman of Thuman Design Studio. Learn about Laura’s pathway to design, her transition from LA to Nashville, and how she harnesses the power of networking and social media to grow her interior design business. Pathway to Design Originally from LA, Laura Thurman moved to Nashville, TN five years ago. As a child, she enjoyed painting, drawing, dancing and re-arranging her bedroom furniture. These interests ultimately lead to her future career as an Interior Designer. After receiving her degree in Interior Architecture from Woodbury University, Laura began freelancing as a graphic designer in LA, before landing a job with a commercial furniture dealer. While working in commercial sales she learned how form and function plays a crucial role in product selection and how to think both ergonomically and spatially. After working in commercial sales Laura went on to work for local residential interior design firms before venturing out to start her own business. The Business Today
Before starting her own business, Laura spent six months developing her business cards, website, logo and resource library so she was prepared to go out on her own. Now after three years in business, she feels more established. Today, about 50% of her business is working with builders and developers making new construction product selections and the rest is working with the custom residential client. Her workload typically comes in batches of about 4-5 projects at a time. Laura attributes the power of networking as a key to her success. Laura decided to join a BNI professional networking group, which she attributes to helping her learn how to present herself to people. She has also found networking success through Linked In, and by simply reaching out. A fellow design colleague introduced her to Universal Furniture whom she collaborated with on a video series focusing on the behind the scene world of designers. Laura recommends using collaborations and partnerships and to think outside of the box to get your idea sponsored in a way that equally benefits both parties.
In addition to networking opportunities, Laura is also very active on Houzz. Houzz has generated some quality leads for her business. To be successful at Houzz, be timely with your response to inquiries. As Houzz may not work for everyone, Thumbtack offers a similar platform. Showing up to industry events has also been a key element to help grow her business. Next up, Laura will be attending the Design Bloggers Conference for the first time. Although a smaller venue than some of the other design shows, The Design Bloggers Conference attendees represent some of the biggest movers and shakers in the industry.
To connect with Laura, visit her Instagram page, website, or blog for the latest updates.
More from Laura: Nashville Ivy Designer Gathering with Laura Thurman, Amy Flurry & Kathy Kinton 3 Easy Interior Home Decor Ideas That Won’t Break The Bank Prep Your Guest Bedroom for the Holidays
Fall Holiday Prep and Checklist
Resources Benjamin Moore
Porcelanosa
Design Manager
Universal Furniture
Upcoming Events
Design Bloggers Conference – March 4 – 6
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
David Phoenix: Daring Self-Starter Today in The Lounge, Nick interviews David Phoenix, a daring self-starter who shot out on his own with only his ideas and passion to back him. We learn how David went from being jobless in the 1990s to working with millionaires overnight, all without college experience or the internet to guide his way. Getting to Know David David was born and raised in New England just west of Boston. He now lives in Los Angeles, California and has been living there since 1984. Watches are his favorite fashion accessory while his favorite vacation spot is Fiji. The room he likes the least in his house is his walk-in pantry/ closet and while he doesn’t drink, he does enjoy Pellegrino with a squeeze of lime. Oh the Places He Would Go In his mid-teens, David had a mentor who would take him through furniture stores where he would take home the magazines they had out and trace over the pictures. After high school, he attended design school for a single day before deciding the environment was not for him. He then worked numerous jobs at showrooms, fabric stores and the like; anything that gave him experience in the design field. After being let-go from one of his jobs and being unemployed for a month, David decided he would start his own design firm. Shortly after making this decision, he ran into Maria Shriver who liked his concepts and character. She then gave him a job the following day. Where He is Now Today, David has six-to-seven staff members on his team. They mostly work ground-up construction, though do not hesitate to take on remodeling jobs or both simultaneously. He has done work all around the United States from the West to East Coast, though would love to do a house, hotel, or resort in Hawaii as well. When hiring staff, he looks primarily for characters who are highly organized, self-starters, and those who readily take on work. He ensures that his staff is open to making connections with him and their co-workers so as to limit the potential for internal conflicts. David highly prefers applicants with experience to show alongside their skill sets.
David’s business has grown from a walk-in closet to an office space in Los Angeles without a marketing team to advertise his brand. He has managed to maintain a steady flow of work via word-of-mouth and recommendations from clients. David claims that the biggest struggle of his job is working amicably with the clients, which he likens to marriage counseling. He also designs showcase homes which are enormous time and financial investments, but worth it for the client to see the designer physically linked to the spaces he creates. When figuring out how to price himself, he asked others in the field how they priced themselves and based his assessment off what he learned.
David launched his first line of furniture with Hickory Chair last year.
Learn more about David Phoenix at www.davidphoenix.com
Also be sure to check out www.hickorychair.com to keep up to date on when David’s furniture line launches.
Upcoming Events
Modernism Week – Feb 15 – 25
Design Bloggers Conference – March 4 – 6
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
David Phoenix: Daring Self-Starter Today in The Lounge, Nick interviews David Phoenix, a daring self-starter who shot out on his own with only his ideas and passion to back him. We learn how David went from being jobless in the 1990s to working with millionaires overnight, all without college experience or the internet to guide his way. Getting to Know David David was born and raised in New England just west of Boston. He now lives in Los Angeles, California and has been living there since 1984. Watches are his favorite fashion accessory while his favorite vacation spot is Fiji. The room he likes the least in his house is his walk-in pantry/ closet and while he doesn’t drink, he does enjoy Pellegrino with a squeeze of lime. Oh the Places He Would Go In his mid-teens, David had a mentor who would take him through furniture stores where he would take home the magazines they had out and trace over the pictures. After high school, he attended design school for a single day before deciding the environment was not for him. He then worked numerous jobs at showrooms, fabric stores and the like; anything that gave him experience in the design field. After being let-go from one of his jobs and being unemployed for a month, David decided he would start his own design firm. Shortly after making this decision, he ran into Maria Shriver who liked his concepts and character. She then gave him a job the following day. Where He is Now Today, David has six-to-seven staff members on his team. They mostly work ground-up construction, though do not hesitate to take on remodeling jobs or both simultaneously. He has done work all around the United States from the West to East Coast, though would love to do a house, hotel, or resort in Hawaii as well. When hiring staff, he looks primarily for characters who are highly organized, self-starters, and those who readily take on work. He ensures that his staff is open to making connections with him and their co-workers so as to limit the potential for internal conflicts. David highly prefers applicants with experience to show alongside their skill sets.
David’s business has grown from a walk-in closet to an office space in Los Angeles without a marketing team to advertise his brand. He has managed to maintain a steady flow of work via word-of-mouth and recommendations from clients. David claims that the biggest struggle of his job is working amicably with the clients, which he likens to marriage counseling. He also designs showcase homes which are enormous time and financial investments, but worth it for the client to see the designer physically linked to the spaces he creates. When figuring out how to price himself, he asked others in the field how they priced themselves and based his assessment off what he learned.
David launched his first line of furniture with Hickory Chair last year.
Learn more about David Phoenix at www.davidphoenix.com
Also be sure to check out www.hickorychair.com to keep up to date on when David’s furniture line launches.
Upcoming Events
Modernism Week – Feb 15 – 25
Design Bloggers Conference – March 4 – 6
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Anna Kenoff - Morpholio Apps
Today in the Lounge Nick speaks with Anna Kenoff, co-founder of Morpholio, all the way from New York. Anna and Nick discuss how Morpholio began, how it launched four different apps and, the costs and benefits of using Morpholio professionally. Getting to Know Anna Anna grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. She stayed there until she went to architecture school in Virginia. That’s when she made her way up to New York and practiced architecture for ten years while also obtaining her masters from Colombia. What is Morpholio? In New York, Anna worked on a lot of medium-scale commercial projects. When the iPad came out, she had an idea. If she was going to have such a powerful device in her hands, she wanted to be able to utilize it to show off her work. That is when Anna and her three partners, friends from grad school, created Morpholio Design Portfolio App. Additionally, they designed a feature to able to draw on top of your work, which eventually became its own standalone app called, Morpholio Trace.
They felt that because they had launched the perfect app for architects, they also wanted to create the perfect app for designers. Morpholio Board, started with the foundation of being digital mood board, which is an inspiration board for projects, but it now offers so much more to interior designers. The features for this app include a massive library of products; Ava (Automated Visual Assembly), which takes your board and lets you export spreadsheets which keep links, data, notes, and images; and augmented reality (AR) color capture, which takes the colors around you and finds samples for the colors using its RGB color number. You can even look up complementary colors for any color you choose. Lastly, Anna and her team have also created an app called, Morpholio Journal, which is a simple sketchbook. With the launch of AR, it created an opportunity for the design industry. Additional to her partners the small Morpholio team has four part-time staff.
Cost and Benefits of Morpholio Right now, Morpholio is available for $11.99 a year or $3.99 a month. It comes with a free week trial and there is an option for an extended trial. The free trial doesn’t include all the features so purchasing the pro app would be to your benefit. Morpholio Trace is $20.00 a year. Morpholio Journal is $3.99 a year. Morpholio Portfolio is free. These apps are available for the iPhone but, the iPad is where you really get to see the app in its full capacity. You are able to send clients jpegs or files for the boards you create for them. Morpholio apps are unique because people in the industry created them so they know what tools you need to make your design work. They have also been working really closely with Apple. Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, used images of Morpholio Trace in his annual keynote. Branding for Morpholio Morpholio branded their apps by reaching out to well-known vendors in design such as Knoll, Herman Miller, Kravet, and Porcelanosa. This gave vendors a new place to launch their products. They are also looking to branch out to work with big companies as well as up-and-coming designers and vendors, so don’t be afraid to reach out. Architects and designers are finding morpholio through their Instagram page and they reach out to clients at events ,such as ICFF and Porcelanosa lunch and learns, which is a way to earn credits for different licensing.
To learn more about Morpholio visit www.morpholioapps.com and follow them on Instagram at @morpholioboard. You can get notifications for the lunch and learns if you have the app downloaded. They do also send weekly emails to keep up everything Morpholio.
Resources
Benjamin Moore
Porcelanosa
Design Manager
Universal Furniture
Upcoming Events
Modernism Week – Feb 15 – 25
Design Bloggers Conference – March 4 – 6
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13
Wrap Up
Anna Kenoff - Morpholio Apps
Today in the Lounge Nick speaks with Anna Kenoff, co-founder of Morpholio, all the way from New York. Anna and Nick discuss how Morpholio began, how it launched four different apps and, the costs and benefits of using Morpholio professionally. Getting to Know Anna Anna grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. She stayed there until she went to architecture school in Virginia. That’s when she made her way up to New York and practiced architecture for ten years while also obtaining her masters from Colombia. What is Morpholio? In New York, Anna worked on a lot of medium-scale commercial projects. When the iPad came out, she had an idea. If she was going to have such a powerful device in her hands, she wanted to be able to utilize it to show off her work. That is when Anna and her three partners, friends from grad school, created Morpholio Design Portfolio App. Additionally, they designed a feature to able to draw on top of your work, which eventually became its own standalone app called, Morpholio Trace.
They felt that because they had launched the perfect app for architects, they also wanted to create the perfect app for designers. Morpholio Board, started with the foundation of being digital mood board, which is an inspiration board for projects, but it now offers so much more to interior designers. The features for this app include a massive library of products; Ava (Automated Visual Assembly), which takes your board and lets you export spreadsheets which keep links, data, notes, and images; and augmented reality (AR) color capture, which takes the colors around you and finds samples for the colors using its RGB color number. You can even look up complementary colors for any color you choose. Lastly, Anna and her team have also created an app called, Morpholio Journal, which is a simple sketchbook. With the launch of AR, it created an opportunity for the design industry. Additional to her partners the small Morpholio team has four part-time staff.
Cost and Benefits of Morpholio Right now, Morpholio is available for $11.99 a year or $3.99 a month. It comes with a free week trial and there is an option for an extended trial. The free trial doesn’t include all the features so purchasing the pro app would be to your benefit. Morpholio Trace is $20.00 a year. Morpholio Journal is $3.99 a year. Morpholio Portfolio is free. These apps are available for the iPhone but, the iPad is where you really get to see the app in its full capacity. You are able to send clients jpegs or files for the boards you create for them. Morpholio apps are unique because people in the industry created them so they know what tools you need to make your design work. They have also been working really closely with Apple. Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, used images of Morpholio Trace in his annual keynote. Branding for Morpholio Morpholio branded their apps by reaching out to well-known vendors in design such as Knoll, Herman Miller, Kravet, and Porcelanosa. This gave vendors a new place to launch their products. They are also looking to branch out to work with big companies as well as up-and-coming designers and vendors, so don’t be afraid to reach out. Architects and designers are finding morpholio through their Instagram page and they reach out to clients at events ,such as ICFF and Porcelanosa lunch and learns, which is a way to earn credits for different licensing.
To learn more about Morpholio visit www.morpholioapps.com and follow them on Instagram at @morpholioboard. You can get notifications for the lunch and learns if you have the app downloaded. They do also send weekly emails to keep up everything Morpholio.
Resources
Benjamin Moore
Porcelanosa
Design Manager
Universal Furniture
Upcoming Events
Modernism Week – Feb 15 – 25
Design Bloggers Conference – March 4 – 6
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13
Wrap Up
Greg Durrer: Global Brand Leader Delta Hotels by Marriott Today in the Lounge we've got a BIG episode! Lee Rotenberg cofounder of IvyMark reached out after hearing our last breaking news, special edition episode: Houzz purchases Ivy. Tune in to see how this controversial conversation went! Next Nick checks in with Lindsay Paoli, COO of Design Manager, to get her take on the situation and some of the topics brought up by Lee. Later, Nick chats with Greg Durrer, Global Brand Leader of Delta Hotels by Marriott live from the media lounge at BDNY. Learn about the history of Delta Hotels, designing for their typical guest, and their forecasted growth path. Brand Beginnings The Delta Hotels brand started in 1962 in British Columbia, Canada. Acquired by Marriott in 2015, Delta Hotels has grown to become part of the upscale tier of the global brand. From a series of focus groups, quantitative and qualitative data, Delta has determined that their typical guest values the ability to maintain the same routine as if they were at home and had access to food options for their dietary restrictions. Targeting the frequent traveler, the Delta Hotel brand focuses on consistency and accessibility. These ideals have been folded into their brand positioning along with other experiential elements such as a great night's sleep, comfortable workspace, and a great shower experience. Designing for Delta Hotels Delta Hotels is the fastest full-service brand within Marriott and is forecasted to have over 40 hotels opening in the next 18-24 months. For designers interested in working Delta Hotel property, the best way to get started is to align yourself with one of the established design firms already contracted to work with Delta. For individual designers, Delta is looking for both established and up and coming designers to join their team.
Delta encourages prospective candidates to take initiative and reach out to introduce yourself to the team. Contact the brand leader or established point of contact within the global design group to start the conversation. Designers that have done hospitality work for larger firms before starting their own individual company are encouraged to apply. Being a designer for Delta Hotels means working within their standard design guidelines and core pillars of guest room size, bathroom experience, functionality, and efficiency.
To learn more:
Visit www.deltahotels.marriott.com Chaise Lounge Updates Save the date: Nick will be doing a LIVE panel at High Point Market April 14th 3-5pm on a very relevant topic ;) Don't miss it!!!!!
Resources Benjamin Moore
Porcelanosa
Design Manager
Universal Furniture
Upcoming Events
Modernism Week – Feb 15 – 25
Design Bloggers Conference – March 4 – 6
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Greg Durrer: Global Brand Leader Delta Hotels by Marriott Today in the Lounge we've got a BIG episode! Lee Rotenberg cofounder of IvyMark reached out after hearing our last breaking news, special edition episode: Houzz purchases Ivy. Tune in to see how this controversial conversation went! Next Nick checks in with Lindsay Paoli, COO of Design Manager, to get her take on the situation and some of the topics brought up by Lee. Later, Nick chats with Greg Durrer, Global Brand Leader of Delta Hotels by Marriott live from the media lounge at BDNY. Learn about the history of Delta Hotels, designing for their typical guest, and their forecasted growth path. Brand Beginnings The Delta Hotels brand started in 1962 in British Columbia, Canada. Acquired by Marriott in 2015, Delta Hotels has grown to become part of the upscale tier of the global brand. From a series of focus groups, quantitative and qualitative data, Delta has determined that their typical guest values the ability to maintain the same routine as if they were at home and had access to food options for their dietary restrictions. Targeting the frequent traveler, the Delta Hotel brand focuses on consistency and accessibility. These ideals have been folded into their brand positioning along with other experiential elements such as a great night's sleep, comfortable workspace, and a great shower experience. Designing for Delta Hotels Delta Hotels is the fastest full-service brand within Marriott and is forecasted to have over 40 hotels opening in the next 18-24 months. For designers interested in working Delta Hotel property, the best way to get started is to align yourself with one of the established design firms already contracted to work with Delta. For individual designers, Delta is looking for both established and up and coming designers to join their team.
Delta encourages prospective candidates to take initiative and reach out to introduce yourself to the team. Contact the brand leader or established point of contact within the global design group to start the conversation. Designers that have done hospitality work for larger firms before starting their own individual company are encouraged to apply. Being a designer for Delta Hotels means working within their standard design guidelines and core pillars of guest room size, bathroom experience, functionality, and efficiency.
To learn more:
Visit www.deltahotels.marriott.com Chaise Lounge Updates Save the date: Nick will be doing a LIVE panel at High Point Market April 14th 3-5pm on a very relevant topic ;) Don't miss it!!!!!
Resources Benjamin Moore
Porcelanosa
Design Manager
Universal Furniture
Upcoming Events
Modernism Week – Feb 15 – 25
Design Bloggers Conference – March 4 – 6
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
SPECIAL EDITION: Houzz Purchases Ivy On this episode of The Lounge, Nick chats with Frank Leyon, Director of Global Sales of Oly Studio; Rachel Waldron, Owner of Waldron Designs; Julia Malloy, Owner of Bold Summit; Steven Avitable of Theodore Alexander; and Shawn Hughes of Steelyard about breaking industry news: Houzz purchases Ivy. Tune in and enjoy.
Upcoming Events
Modernism Week – Feb 15 – 25
Design Bloggers Conference – March 4 – 6
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
SPECIAL EDITION: Houzz Purchases Ivy On this episode of The Lounge, Nick chats with Frank Leyon, Director of Global Sales of Oly Studio; Rachel Waldron, Owner of Waldron Designs; Julia Malloy, Owner of Bold Summit; Steven Avitable of Theodore Alexander; and Shawn Hughes of Steelyard about breaking industry news: Houzz purchases Ivy. Tune in and enjoy.
Upcoming Events
Modernism Week – Feb 15 – 25
Design Bloggers Conference – March 4 – 6
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Today in The Lounge, Nick talks with Dan Rak of Dan Rak Design, about his journey from tax law to interior design. Dan talks about his career, what he’s learned, and what he looks forward to as his business grows. Dan’s Career Journey Dan grew up in Detroit, Michigan. His education led him to tax law. To feed his need for creativity, Dan bought a house, lived in it while he renovated it and then sold it. Soon, clients from his tax firm and others heard about his talent and asked him redesign spaces in their homes. This is when he noticed something was amiss. Dan loved the process of creating spaces for people and found fulfillment - something tax law wasn’t providing. He left the law profession and went into Interior Design full-time by opening his own firm. Growing a Design Firm Dan openly talks with Nick about how he had to learn about the world of design from vendors, asking lots of questions and reading everything he could about design. He did not get a degree in the field; however, his skills from the law profession around organization and project management help to sell people on his designs. Dan discusses the challenges of managing his own business with 5 employees, some full-time and some part-time. He also talks about the marketing strategies he uses through a publicist, social media manager, his website and even through Houzz. Dan indicates that his firm typically manages about 5 projects at a time so he can give them all the attention they deserve and the quality stays high.
He discusses further the challenges he faces of learning to let go of tasks and trusting others to manage his business. He gives advice on how he is able to make sure his design style aligns with his clients’ wishes and how showing projects to clients, building relationships with them, and gaining their trust helps build his client base. Dan’s Future Plans As his business grows, Dan chats with Nick about his future plans to expand his firm to include boutique-type commercial spaces, a retail store, and possibly a furniture line. Dan counsels others looking to switch careers to ponder this thought - “Do what you would do if you were not afraid.”
Learn more about Dan Rak at: www.danrakdesign.com @danrakdesign on Instagram Chaise Lounge Updates The Student Lounge is up and running! Visit us to hear podcast episodes produced for students, by students.
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets Modernism Week Feb 15 – 25
Design Bloggers Conference March 4 – 6
BD West April 4 – 5
High Point Market April 14 – 18
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Today in The Lounge, Nick talks with Dan Rak of Dan Rak Design, about his journey from tax law to interior design. Dan talks about his career, what he’s learned, and what he looks forward to as his business grows. Dan’s Career Journey Dan grew up in Detroit, Michigan. His education led him to tax law. To feed his need for creativity, Dan bought a house, lived in it while he renovated it and then sold it. Soon, clients from his tax firm and others heard about his talent and asked him redesign spaces in their homes. This is when he noticed something was amiss. Dan loved the process of creating spaces for people and found fulfillment - something tax law wasn’t providing. He left the law profession and went into Interior Design full-time by opening his own firm. Growing a Design Firm Dan openly talks with Nick about how he had to learn about the world of design from vendors, asking lots of questions and reading everything he could about design. He did not get a degree in the field; however, his skills from the law profession around organization and project management help to sell people on his designs. Dan discusses the challenges of managing his own business with 5 employees, some full-time and some part-time. He also talks about the marketing strategies he uses through a publicist, social media manager, his website and even through Houzz. Dan indicates that his firm typically manages about 5 projects at a time so he can give them all the attention they deserve and the quality stays high.
He discusses further the challenges he faces of learning to let go of tasks and trusting others to manage his business. He gives advice on how he is able to make sure his design style aligns with his clients’ wishes and how showing projects to clients, building relationships with them, and gaining their trust helps build his client base. Dan’s Future Plans As his business grows, Dan chats with Nick about his future plans to expand his firm to include boutique-type commercial spaces, a retail store, and possibly a furniture line. Dan counsels others looking to switch careers to ponder this thought - “Do what you would do if you were not afraid.”
Learn more about Dan Rak at: www.danrakdesign.com @danrakdesign on Instagram Chaise Lounge Updates The Student Lounge is up and running! Visit us to hear podcast episodes produced for students, by students.
Our Events Page
Resources See what our sponsors can do for you.
Upcoming Markets Modernism Week Feb 15 – 25
Design Bloggers Conference March 4 – 6
BD West April 4 – 5
High Point Market April 14 – 18
More About Our Sponsors
Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcasting app! We'd love it if you post a review, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. Also, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With that said, keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Phyllis Harbinger: Starting a Business Today in The Lounge, Nick meets with Phyllis Harbinger to discuss what it takes to start a new business. They remark on the boon that easy access to the internet provides for start-up business owners, the funds and resources one needs to secure before striking out on his or her own, and what potential business owner must be capable of to attain success. No Fun Without Funds Phyllis strongly suggests that new business owners save up at least six months’ worth of money before trying to go out on their own. This is because the cost of starting a new business is high. The new business owner must be able to pay for the space they use to host their business, procure extra phone lines, hire staff, pay for medical insurance, business taxes, etc. A savings fund will not only allow you to pay for your necessities more readily, but it will also help cover any additional costs that arise unexpectedly.
Much of the money you gain should go toward marketing as well. Phyllis notes that building your brand goes hand in hand with building your business. Must-Have Moxy To be a successful business owner, Phyllis claims, you must be able to fulfill every role a business performs. This includes sales, which she and Nick agree is integral to starting a new business. Nick advises those wary of becoming their own salesman, to be more concerned with being authentic than making the biggest sale possible. For that is the best way to earn a client’s trust and loyalty.
Phyllis adds that if you do not have the motivation or skill set to be a business owner, there is no shame in being an employee. She says that if you are not sure you have what it takes, spend the time identifying your strengths and weaknesses before moving forward. Tools of the Trade Nick and Phyllis strongly advise that anyone looking to begin their business procure a lawyer very early on. A lawyer will not only ensure that you have the right documents when starting out, but he or she will also look out for your interests and keep them protected. Nick recommends interviewing lawyers as well as accountants to make sure one will suit your needs before hiring them.
Another aid Phyllis and Nick agree potential business owners should look at is tech support. Phyllis notes that there are many options available when hiring a person for such a role that does not require a separate department for them. Look around for freelancers, Geek Squad, current employees, etc.
Phyllis highly recommends that anyone who owns a design firm or is considering starting one should use Design Manager to help them with their affairs. Check the Phyllis Harbinger Instagram or send an email to info@harbingerdesignconsulting.com for a discount code on your first year of using Design Manager.
Learn more about Phyllis Harbinger at www.harbingerdesignconsulting.com or visit them on Instagram @dcistudio.
Upcoming Events
Las Vegas Market – Jan 28 – Feb 1
Modernism Week – Feb 15 – 25
Design Bloggers Conference – March 4 – 6
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Phyllis Harbinger: Starting a Business Today in The Lounge, Nick meets with Phyllis Harbinger to discuss what it takes to start a new business. They remark on the boon that easy access to the internet provides for start-up business owners, the funds and resources one needs to secure before striking out on his or her own, and what potential business owner must be capable of to attain success. No Fun Without Funds Phyllis strongly suggests that new business owners save up at least six months’ worth of money before trying to go out on their own. This is because the cost of starting a new business is high. The new business owner must be able to pay for the space they use to host their business, procure extra phone lines, hire staff, pay for medical insurance, business taxes, etc. A savings fund will not only allow you to pay for your necessities more readily, but it will also help cover any additional costs that arise unexpectedly.
Much of the money you gain should go toward marketing as well. Phyllis notes that building your brand goes hand in hand with building your business. Must-Have Moxy To be a successful business owner, Phyllis claims, you must be able to fulfill every role a business performs. This includes sales, which she and Nick agree is integral to starting a new business. Nick advises those wary of becoming their own salesman, to be more concerned with being authentic than making the biggest sale possible. For that is the best way to earn a client’s trust and loyalty.
Phyllis adds that if you do not have the motivation or skill set to be a business owner, there is no shame in being an employee. She says that if you are not sure you have what it takes, spend the time identifying your strengths and weaknesses before moving forward. Tools of the Trade Nick and Phyllis strongly advise that anyone looking to begin their business procure a lawyer very early on. A lawyer will not only ensure that you have the right documents when starting out, but he or she will also look out for your interests and keep them protected. Nick recommends interviewing lawyers as well as accountants to make sure one will suit your needs before hiring them.
Another aid Phyllis and Nick agree potential business owners should look at is tech support. Phyllis notes that there are many options available when hiring a person for such a role that does not require a separate department for them. Look around for freelancers, Geek Squad, current employees, etc.
Phyllis highly recommends that anyone who owns a design firm or is considering starting one should use Design Manager to help them with their affairs. Check the Phyllis Harbinger Instagram or send an email to info@harbingerdesignconsulting.com for a discount code on your first year of using Design Manager.
Learn more about Phyllis Harbinger at www.harbingerdesignconsulting.com or visit them on Instagram @dcistudio.
Upcoming Events
Las Vegas Market – Jan 28 – Feb 1
Modernism Week – Feb 15 – 25
Design Bloggers Conference – March 4 – 6
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
(Click on the photos to see more!) Nadia Geller: From TV to Industry Today in The Lounge, Nick speaks with Nadia Geller of Nadia Geller Designs out of Burbank California. Nick and Nadia discuss how she got into interior design at a young age, how she was cast in the show While You Were Out, what her business is like today, and about her experience on another show, The Job Interview. Getting to Know Nadia Nadia’s favorite place to visit is Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, México where she’s been vacationing for the past six years. She has two kids, eight and ten years old. Nadia says that the last thing she wants to do when she gets home from work, is work, on her home. At the age of twenty-four, she lost everything she had to a flood. She is now less attached to belongings but in case of a fire, Nadia would grab her art collection and photos. If she couldn’t be an interior designer, she would be a painter and a part-time bartender, or she would just be a mom to her kids. At age 5 Nadia’s mom took her to buy wallpaper where she fell in love with interior design. Her mother had picked out a pink wallpaper that Nadia didn’t like so, she flipped through the entire book and came out with a brown, blue, and, yellow combo wallpaper that they used instead. Nadia drew houses and floor plans from second grade on. Growing up in Schaumburg, Illinois Nadia originally went to school to be an artist and later switched to graphic design. How Nadia Got Started in Interior Design When she finished school, Nadia was a satellite coordinator for a subcontractor for tv shows shot in Chicago, such as Oprah, the Jenny Jones Show, and Jerry Springer. She later transferred and became a studio manager in New York City because her goal was to go to school there. Nadia never did end up going back to school, instead, NYC gave her the interior design hard knocks. Nadia got into all of her top schools but was already working three jobs just to make rent. Her friends encouraged her to not go back to school so she bought the books she would have read there and went out to find a job in the field. She got her start at ABC Carpets and Home as a Visual Manager, responsible for the 60,000 square feet of furniture in the showroom.
Two months after she got married, Nadia got a call from a casting director for a new show called, While You Were Out. She auditioned, got the role and was on the show for seven years. With a $1,500 budget to redo a space, she worked with local retailers and had to make the most of everything. She had a phenomenal experience, made money, and got to travel the country with a great cast. The hardest part of the show was watching herself fail miserably on some projects. There were a lot of experiments and risks because it was a TV show. In between filming, Nadia decided to start her business. A friend’s mom wanted her to work on model homes for her. She created a proposal, got the job, and started her business from there. Nadia started out by designing model homes but now does multi-family homes, condos, and hotels too. The Business Today Nadia runs her business with twelve people, working on projects in Hawaii, Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Denver. She first started out by hiring student designers and paying them minimum wage. Then she hired independent contractors, more experienced designers, and full-time employees. In the beginning, the hardest part was wearing all the various hats and figuring out how to manage and pay everyone. Now, she has a financial person and a bookkeeper. Nadia hired employees based on what she was spending too much time doing herself. She knew she could serve her company better if she was just the creative head. She keeps her fingerprint on everything by constructing the creative concepts and visions for each project. Nadia trusts her team completely and they all work together well because they are in sync. She designs uniquely for each client, creating projects that stand on their own and have ...
(Click on the photos to see more!) Nadia Geller: From TV to Industry Today in The Lounge, Nick speaks with Nadia Geller of Nadia Geller Designs out of Burbank California. Nick and Nadia discuss how she got into interior design at a young age, how she was cast in the show While You Were Out, what her business is like today, and about her experience on another show, The Job Interview. Getting to Know Nadia Nadia’s favorite place to visit is Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, México where she’s been vacationing for the past six years. She has two kids, eight and ten years old. Nadia says that the last thing she wants to do when she gets home from work, is work, on her home. At the age of twenty-four, she lost everything she had to a flood. She is now less attached to belongings but in case of a fire, Nadia would grab her art collection and photos. If she couldn’t be an interior designer, she would be a painter and a part-time bartender, or she would just be a mom to her kids. At age 5 Nadia’s mom took her to buy wallpaper where she fell in love with interior design. Her mother had picked out a pink wallpaper that Nadia didn’t like so, she flipped through the entire book and came out with a brown, blue, and, yellow combo wallpaper that they used instead. Nadia drew houses and floor plans from second grade on. Growing up in Schaumburg, Illinois Nadia originally went to school to be an artist and later switched to graphic design. How Nadia Got Started in Interior Design When she finished school, Nadia was a satellite coordinator for a subcontractor for tv shows shot in Chicago, such as Oprah, the Jenny Jones Show, and Jerry Springer. She later transferred and became a studio manager in New York City because her goal was to go to school there. Nadia never did end up going back to school, instead, NYC gave her the interior design hard knocks. Nadia got into all of her top schools but was already working three jobs just to make rent. Her friends encouraged her to not go back to school so she bought the books she would have read there and went out to find a job in the field. She got her start at ABC Carpets and Home as a Visual Manager, responsible for the 60,000 square feet of furniture in the showroom.
Two months after she got married, Nadia got a call from a casting director for a new show called, While You Were Out. She auditioned, got the role and was on the show for seven years. With a $1,500 budget to redo a space, she worked with local retailers and had to make the most of everything. She had a phenomenal experience, made money, and got to travel the country with a great cast. The hardest part of the show was watching herself fail miserably on some projects. There were a lot of experiments and risks because it was a TV show. In between filming, Nadia decided to start her business. A friend’s mom wanted her to work on model homes for her. She created a proposal, got the job, and started her business from there. Nadia started out by designing model homes but now does multi-family homes, condos, and hotels too. The Business Today Nadia runs her business with twelve people, working on projects in Hawaii, Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Denver. She first started out by hiring student designers and paying them minimum wage. Then she hired independent contractors, more experienced designers, and full-time employees. In the beginning, the hardest part was wearing all the various hats and figuring out how to manage and pay everyone. Now, she has a financial person and a bookkeeper. Nadia hired employees based on what she was spending too much time doing herself. She knew she could serve her company better if she was just the creative head. She keeps her fingerprint on everything by constructing the creative concepts and visions for each project. Nadia trusts her team completely and they all work together well because they are in sync. She designs uniquely for each client, creating projects that stand on their own and have ...
Raad Ghantous: Designing Experiences Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Raad Ghantous from Raad Ghantous andAssociates. Raad and his team do not design interiors, they design experiences. Learn about Raad’s journey to Interior Design, his company today and his ongoing work in radio. Early Life and Career Currently residing in Southern California, Raad Ghantous came to the United States in 1985 to pursue a career in business. He was born in Baghdad, Iraq, grew up in Kuwait and attended college in Switzerland. After receiving his undergraduate degree in economics he traveled to the US to pursue a Masters degree in Marketing from the Peter Drucker Center in Claremont, California. Upon arriving in the States he quickly realized he was at a disadvantage, he did not have the same work experience as his graduate peers, whom he was competing against for jobs. After the real estate crash in 1991, Raad serendipitously received a card in the mail for a school in Newport Beach, offering a certificate program in Interior Design. After taking a few classes Raad found himself challenged in ways he never was before and received his BA in Interior Design in 1994.
Deciding to focus on the hospitality sector, Raad interned with Design 1, which eventually became Sue Firestone, a prominent designer in the area. He went on to intern with Susan Cohen in Santa Monica who was working on large scale residential projects similar to small boutique hotels. With a staff of two Rad received a lot of hands-on experience. A former coworker from Design 1 had a colleague who worked at Hirsch Bedner and Associates whom he met with for what he thought was simply a conversation. As luck would happen, the company had recently been awarded a large project and he was offered a job on the spot. Raad then moved to Atlanta and remained at Hirsch Bedner for three yrs. Starting the Firm Raad drew upon insight from his working experience at other companies to determine how he wanted to structure his company. It was important he cater to certain niche markets while still providing the level of service and consultancy that is afforded to larger projects. His business is a combination of both of design and business consultancy; employing staff with operational, marketing and design backgrounds. He has core individuals weighing in on the design direction and other consultants on hand to create a vertically integrated client. His staff of 5 full-time employees and 7 consultants manage the entire process from concept to completion focusing on everything from menu development, marketing to social media. The firm also works on residential projects with a split of 70% commercial projects, 30% residential.
Raad spends the majority of his time with clients or processing documentation with the city. He gathers the team together once or twice a week for project meetings. Prioritizing is the hardest part of the job as it is still a challenge for him to determine where to spend his time. There is a sense of responsibility for his staff and his chosen career path where he must ensure that there is another project in the pipeline. To that end, he finds himself constantly out networking. Marketing Efforts The company has experienced the most marketing success through guest speaking and published articles. Raad also produces three radio shows. The Raad Life is a journey of aging geared toward baby boomers, veterans, and nonprofits. His second show, co-hosted with Craig Sullivan, is focused on the Californian hospitality scene called, Check out California. The last show, Dense $ense, is targeted to end users. It is a question and answers series covering topics such as “How Did You Decorate Your Home for Christmas?” Doing radio has allowed him to build his brand and also portray him as a designer that is involved in the community. It has more positively affected the residential side than the commercial side. Raad also moderates a Facebook page: What do you think San Clemente.
Raad Ghantous: Designing Experiences Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Raad Ghantous from Raad Ghantous andAssociates. Raad and his team do not design interiors, they design experiences. Learn about Raad’s journey to Interior Design, his company today and his ongoing work in radio. Early Life and Career Currently residing in Southern California, Raad Ghantous came to the United States in 1985 to pursue a career in business. He was born in Baghdad, Iraq, grew up in Kuwait and attended college in Switzerland. After receiving his undergraduate degree in economics he traveled to the US to pursue a Masters degree in Marketing from the Peter Drucker Center in Claremont, California. Upon arriving in the States he quickly realized he was at a disadvantage, he did not have the same work experience as his graduate peers, whom he was competing against for jobs. After the real estate crash in 1991, Raad serendipitously received a card in the mail for a school in Newport Beach, offering a certificate program in Interior Design. After taking a few classes Raad found himself challenged in ways he never was before and received his BA in Interior Design in 1994.
Deciding to focus on the hospitality sector, Raad interned with Design 1, which eventually became Sue Firestone, a prominent designer in the area. He went on to intern with Susan Cohen in Santa Monica who was working on large scale residential projects similar to small boutique hotels. With a staff of two Rad received a lot of hands-on experience. A former coworker from Design 1 had a colleague who worked at Hirsch Bedner and Associates whom he met with for what he thought was simply a conversation. As luck would happen, the company had recently been awarded a large project and he was offered a job on the spot. Raad then moved to Atlanta and remained at Hirsch Bedner for three yrs. Starting the Firm Raad drew upon insight from his working experience at other companies to determine how he wanted to structure his company. It was important he cater to certain niche markets while still providing the level of service and consultancy that is afforded to larger projects. His business is a combination of both of design and business consultancy; employing staff with operational, marketing and design backgrounds. He has core individuals weighing in on the design direction and other consultants on hand to create a vertically integrated client. His staff of 5 full-time employees and 7 consultants manage the entire process from concept to completion focusing on everything from menu development, marketing to social media. The firm also works on residential projects with a split of 70% commercial projects, 30% residential.
Raad spends the majority of his time with clients or processing documentation with the city. He gathers the team together once or twice a week for project meetings. Prioritizing is the hardest part of the job as it is still a challenge for him to determine where to spend his time. There is a sense of responsibility for his staff and his chosen career path where he must ensure that there is another project in the pipeline. To that end, he finds himself constantly out networking. Marketing Efforts The company has experienced the most marketing success through guest speaking and published articles. Raad also produces three radio shows. The Raad Life is a journey of aging geared toward baby boomers, veterans, and nonprofits. His second show, co-hosted with Craig Sullivan, is focused on the Californian hospitality scene called, Check out California. The last show, Dense $ense, is targeted to end users. It is a question and answers series covering topics such as “How Did You Decorate Your Home for Christmas?” Doing radio has allowed him to build his brand and also portray him as a designer that is involved in the community. It has more positively affected the residential side than the commercial side. Raad also moderates a Facebook page: What do you think San Clemente.
KBIS Show #4 Today in The Lounge, Nick hits the trifecta at his third day at KBIS. He gets to chat with Randy Fiser, CEO of ASID, about their partnership with products supporting wellness. He then learns from Lin Guo of Bluewater Group about advanced water filtration systems for commercial and residential settings. Nick then chats with both Greg Delmonico (Monogram Brand Merchandising Manager) and Chef Nick Liberato about Monogram products. Randy Fiser and ASID’s Promotion of Wellness
Good thing Randy Fiser brought his sneakers for all the walking he did at the KBIS 2018 show! On the episode, Randy talks about how his goal was to link ASID and NKBA together to highlight a pavilion that showcases wellness in design based on ASID’s message, “Design Impacts Life.” ASID hosted about a dozen businesses at the show, which align with wellness components such as using nature in spaces, sustainability, using plant and water components in spaces, and the psychology of the human connection to the use of wood in design. Randy talks about connecting products to the value they add to families and lifestyles and how this connection helps designers advertise their value in the marketplace. ASID wants to expand the showcase to include more products next year at the KBIS show in Las Vegas. Interested parties can contact Olga Odeide at ASID or Brian Pagel at KBIS and will go through a short screening process to ensure products are credible and meet wellness guidelines.
Learn more about ASID at www.asid.org.
*Stay tuned for future sessions of Chaise Lounge where we will have listeners submit questions for Randy to answer in upcoming podcasts. Submit questions on The Chaise Lounge website the bottom right-hand corner. Just mention that your question is for Randy! Lin Guo with Bluewater Group and Water Filtration Technology
Lin has a huge passion for bringing clean and pure water to the world! She talks with Nick about the two main benefits of the Bluewater system: 1. helping families have better lives by giving them pure and clean drinking water and 2. helping rid the planet of plastic water bottles polluting the ocean. Lin says that every 1 minute, there are approximately 1 million plastic water bottles being dumped into the ocean. Bluewater is passionate about ending this cycle.
Their filtration systems can be used both residentially and commercially. Bluewater is so well regarded that they recently won an award and were recognized for using natural resources and helping the planet. They were also nominated for Best in Show at KBIS. Hear Lin’s enthusiastic message in the podcast and you’ll be hooked!
Learn more about Bluewater Group at www.bluewatergroup.com. Greg Delmonico from Monogram and Chef Nick Liberato Talk “Pizza” with Nick
Greg Delmonico chats with Nick about Monogram’s brand. Their philosophy is “Elevate Everything” and this is seen in their products at KBIS. The flush design on their wall oven is sleek and elegant, it's completely electric and cooks a tasty pizza up in only 2-3 minutes with only a 20-minute warm-up time. Key and unique features of this product include having recipes pre-programmed into the oven where the temperature is preset depending on the type of pizza you’d like to cook. It takes up very little space and does not require any additional venting or ductwork, as a catalytic converter is built in to capture all the heat and smoke internally. Chef Liberato is excited to talk about the consistency the oven provides even with the door being opened and closed, and how the outside of the oven is safe to touch. Chef Liberato has recipes that can also be used in the oven for breakfast, desserts or bread. Check him out on Twitter @Calidelphia, on Instagram @ChefNicky or on Facebook - Chef Nick Liberato
Greg talks to us about other Monogram products such as their new gas cooktop with knobs that are made of sapphire glass (the same glass used on Rolex watches).
KBIS Show #4 Today in The Lounge, Nick hits the trifecta at his third day at KBIS. He gets to chat with Randy Fiser, CEO of ASID, about their partnership with products supporting wellness. He then learns from Lin Guo of Bluewater Group about advanced water filtration systems for commercial and residential settings. Nick then chats with both Greg Delmonico (Monogram Brand Merchandising Manager) and Chef Nick Liberato about Monogram products. Randy Fiser and ASID’s Promotion of Wellness
Good thing Randy Fiser brought his sneakers for all the walking he did at the KBIS 2018 show! On the episode, Randy talks about how his goal was to link ASID and NKBA together to highlight a pavilion that showcases wellness in design based on ASID’s message, “Design Impacts Life.” ASID hosted about a dozen businesses at the show, which align with wellness components such as using nature in spaces, sustainability, using plant and water components in spaces, and the psychology of the human connection to the use of wood in design. Randy talks about connecting products to the value they add to families and lifestyles and how this connection helps designers advertise their value in the marketplace. ASID wants to expand the showcase to include more products next year at the KBIS show in Las Vegas. Interested parties can contact Olga Odeide at ASID or Brian Pagel at KBIS and will go through a short screening process to ensure products are credible and meet wellness guidelines.
Learn more about ASID at www.asid.org.
*Stay tuned for future sessions of Chaise Lounge where we will have listeners submit questions for Randy to answer in upcoming podcasts. Submit questions on The Chaise Lounge website the bottom right-hand corner. Just mention that your question is for Randy! Lin Guo with Bluewater Group and Water Filtration Technology
Lin has a huge passion for bringing clean and pure water to the world! She talks with Nick about the two main benefits of the Bluewater system: 1. helping families have better lives by giving them pure and clean drinking water and 2. helping rid the planet of plastic water bottles polluting the ocean. Lin says that every 1 minute, there are approximately 1 million plastic water bottles being dumped into the ocean. Bluewater is passionate about ending this cycle.
Their filtration systems can be used both residentially and commercially. Bluewater is so well regarded that they recently won an award and were recognized for using natural resources and helping the planet. They were also nominated for Best in Show at KBIS. Hear Lin’s enthusiastic message in the podcast and you’ll be hooked!
Learn more about Bluewater Group at www.bluewatergroup.com. Greg Delmonico from Monogram and Chef Nick Liberato Talk “Pizza” with Nick
Greg Delmonico chats with Nick about Monogram’s brand. Their philosophy is “Elevate Everything” and this is seen in their products at KBIS. The flush design on their wall oven is sleek and elegant, it's completely electric and cooks a tasty pizza up in only 2-3 minutes with only a 20-minute warm-up time. Key and unique features of this product include having recipes pre-programmed into the oven where the temperature is preset depending on the type of pizza you’d like to cook. It takes up very little space and does not require any additional venting or ductwork, as a catalytic converter is built in to capture all the heat and smoke internally. Chef Liberato is excited to talk about the consistency the oven provides even with the door being opened and closed, and how the outside of the oven is safe to touch. Chef Liberato has recipes that can also be used in the oven for breakfast, desserts or bread. Check him out on Twitter @Calidelphia, on Instagram @ChefNicky or on Facebook - Chef Nick Liberato
Greg talks to us about other Monogram products such as their new gas cooktop with knobs that are made of sapphire glass (the same glass used on Rolex watches).
KBIS Show #3 Today in The Lounge, Nick talks with Kimberly Timmons-Beutner from Kimberly Timmons Interiors (KTI) and Steve Waddell, a man who seeks to reinvent the bathroom faucet with his product, Nasoni. Nick learns how Kimberly got her start and how she brought her firm to the list of top fifty designers and architects in Denver. Nick also learns about the functionality of Nasoni and what puts it a step above the traditional bathroom faucet. Nasoni: From Italy to Your Bathroom Nasoni is a water fountain/faucet combination named after the drinking fountains invented by the city of Rome in the 1870s. The idea was conceived when Steve Waddell found himself growing tired of bending down to the faucet to rinse his mouth after brushing his teeth. Nasoni is meant to be a more sanitary way of rinsing your mouth and drinking tap water. The product is not yet on the market, but hopefully will be soon.
Find Nasoni at www.nasoni.com or on Facebook and Instagram. Getting to Know Kimberly
Kimberly and Nick get to talking over a glass of New Zealand pinot noir. Kimberly is from Denver, Colorado and her favorite place to work was in China on a large golf clubhouse. Her favorite room in her home is the dining room which contains a roundtable brought over from her time in China. She prefers necklaces as her favored fashion accessory. If she could vacation anywhere, it would be somewhere tropical. Drafting Visions of the Future Kimberly’s interest in interior design started with a drafting class she took in high school. From there, she went on to attend the Art Institute of Colorado and graduated with honors. She was then offered a position as a Junior Designer and stayed at the firm for ten years. The focus of her first firm was model homes. Sometime after she had been promoted to Design Director, she left to begin her own firm.
Her first office was in the guest bedroom of her own house. She reached out to the competitor of her former boss and acquired work with them for twenty years. After acquiring too many staff members to accommodate in her home office, she moved to downtown Denver.
Kimberly claims that the hardest part of her journey was staying on track. She says that many other opportunities were presented to her, but she had to follow her gut to decide which ones to decline because they did not suit her preferred working style or vision of her future. KTI Today
2018 marks the twentieth anniversary of KTI’s founding. The firm has twenty-three team members in total, ranging from the design team to the marketing team and so on. They have done work in many hospitality spheres such as restaurants, hotels, and clubhouses. They have also worked on interior merchandising and high-end residential spaces.
Kimberly attests that networking relationships are vital to the success of a company. She and her firm are currently up for three awards this year which help them get recognized and thus offered more work. As such, Kimberly was drawn to KBIS for its networking opportunities as well as the chance it provides to scout out new products her firm may use in future projects.
Kimberly keeps herself involved in every project that goes through her firm by being present during the initial conception and supervision. The Value and Process of Company Growth KTI was able to transition from residential designs to hospitality when they were contacted by ESA to do work on Sheridan and Steamboat, which they have done work on since 2008. She claims from her experience that doing good work on new projects will earn you more projects of the like in the future.
Of course, she did not get her firm recognized simply by waiting for others to contact her. She put a lot of energy into marketing her brand through SEO on her website, applying for awards, getting sponsorships, paying for print ads, working with article writers, and hiring a marketing contractor who manages blogs, Facebook posts, etc. She mostly meets editors through networking events such a...
KBIS Show #3 Today in The Lounge, Nick talks with Kimberly Timmons-Beutner from Kimberly Timmons Interiors (KTI) and Steve Waddell, a man who seeks to reinvent the bathroom faucet with his product, Nasoni. Nick learns how Kimberly got her start and how she brought her firm to the list of top fifty designers and architects in Denver. Nick also learns about the functionality of Nasoni and what puts it a step above the traditional bathroom faucet. Nasoni: From Italy to Your Bathroom Nasoni is a water fountain/faucet combination named after the drinking fountains invented by the city of Rome in the 1870s. The idea was conceived when Steve Waddell found himself growing tired of bending down to the faucet to rinse his mouth after brushing his teeth. Nasoni is meant to be a more sanitary way of rinsing your mouth and drinking tap water. The product is not yet on the market, but hopefully will be soon.
Find Nasoni at www.nasoni.com or on Facebook and Instagram. Getting to Know Kimberly
Kimberly and Nick get to talking over a glass of New Zealand pinot noir. Kimberly is from Denver, Colorado and her favorite place to work was in China on a large golf clubhouse. Her favorite room in her home is the dining room which contains a roundtable brought over from her time in China. She prefers necklaces as her favored fashion accessory. If she could vacation anywhere, it would be somewhere tropical. Drafting Visions of the Future Kimberly’s interest in interior design started with a drafting class she took in high school. From there, she went on to attend the Art Institute of Colorado and graduated with honors. She was then offered a position as a Junior Designer and stayed at the firm for ten years. The focus of her first firm was model homes. Sometime after she had been promoted to Design Director, she left to begin her own firm.
Her first office was in the guest bedroom of her own house. She reached out to the competitor of her former boss and acquired work with them for twenty years. After acquiring too many staff members to accommodate in her home office, she moved to downtown Denver.
Kimberly claims that the hardest part of her journey was staying on track. She says that many other opportunities were presented to her, but she had to follow her gut to decide which ones to decline because they did not suit her preferred working style or vision of her future. KTI Today
2018 marks the twentieth anniversary of KTI’s founding. The firm has twenty-three team members in total, ranging from the design team to the marketing team and so on. They have done work in many hospitality spheres such as restaurants, hotels, and clubhouses. They have also worked on interior merchandising and high-end residential spaces.
Kimberly attests that networking relationships are vital to the success of a company. She and her firm are currently up for three awards this year which help them get recognized and thus offered more work. As such, Kimberly was drawn to KBIS for its networking opportunities as well as the chance it provides to scout out new products her firm may use in future projects.
Kimberly keeps herself involved in every project that goes through her firm by being present during the initial conception and supervision. The Value and Process of Company Growth KTI was able to transition from residential designs to hospitality when they were contacted by ESA to do work on Sheridan and Steamboat, which they have done work on since 2008. She claims from her experience that doing good work on new projects will earn you more projects of the like in the future.
Of course, she did not get her firm recognized simply by waiting for others to contact her. She put a lot of energy into marketing her brand through SEO on her website, applying for awards, getting sponsorships, paying for print ads, working with article writers, and hiring a marketing contractor who manages blogs, Facebook posts, etc. She mostly meets editors through networking events such a...
KBIS Show #2 Today in the Lounge Nick talks with Richard Anuszkeiwicz the Executive Director of the Kitchen and Bath Division for Alt Breeding Schwarz Architects, Chuck Wheelock of Wheelock Design, and Brad Egan of Niagara Conservation live from KBIS Day 2. Richard and Nick discuss how he skyrocketed his career in design in less than 10 years and about his new project with Liebherr this year at KBIS. Chuck and Nick talk about Chuck’s business and his relationship with Perlick. Nick and Brad chat about the current water crisis and what Niagra is doing to help. Getting to Know Richard Richard Anuszkeiwicz was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His favorite vacation was last year when he traveled with a continuing education course to the Honolulu Design Center in Hawaii. He loves Tom Ford. Favorite movie? Nocturnal Animals. Beer, Wine, or Cocktail? Richard loves cocktails, either a gin and tonic or vodka soda. How Richard got his Start Richard was very creative as a child. He went to school for Residential Design at Virginia Tech. Early on in the program, he was introduced to kitchen and bath. He attended KBIS Chicago as a sophomore in college and ever since, he’s been a loyal KBIS attendee. This gave him his "aha!" moment to work more with kitchens and baths. Richard encourages students to get themselves to a trade show and just shake some hands. He says that ultimately every opportunity he’s gotten has been because he met someone along the way. Richards tells us knowledge is power so don't be afraid to ask questions! The Business Today Richard graduated in 2010 and started with a Design-Build firm in Virginia. Right off the bat, they opened a brand new showroom. His vision was focused on perfecting the kitchen cabinets, the ceiling details, and the windows to go along with it. He was there for three years and then went to Alt Breeding Schwarz Architects where he is currently the lead for their casework and cabinetry division.
In 2013, Richard launched his own lifestyle brand after being mentioned in NKBA’s 30 under 30 contest. He wanted to bring new products and ideas to the market, empower the next generation, and change the general consumer's mindset on what a kitchen could or should be. He started to develop a CEU entitled, Fashion-Forward Thinking; a way to look at the world you, be inspired and use those ideas to inspire your work. Richard says design is an experience, he doesn’t sell products, he sells a lifestyle. Richard considers himself to be a chameleon for his clients, taking their raw ideas and enhancing them in every which way imaginable. Richard learns every day and his job is a passion. The Monolith Inception At KBIS 2018 Richard helped design the Monolith Inception (pictured above) with Liebherr. In a luxury market, you must be mindful of the finishes and how they function in the space. The table that Nick and Richard are sitting at is actually integrated into the island. Liebherr launched their new column series under the name Monolith. Monolith Inception is a multi-surface island with a table top, primary sink area, a work surface, and a banquette. This island is all carved from one piece of stone, hence the name. This space also includes a few other features such as the integrated armoir, which is a 30-inch refrigerator and 24-inch freezer, and the range wall. The range wall has every material from stone to wood. In the drawers you’ll find a pop of red so you’ll know it’s part of the Richar Living Collection. Other vendors that helped create the Monolithic Inception include Bentley, Superiore, Dekton USA, Grothouse Lumber Wood Tops, and Bridget Beari Designs.
To connect with Richard visit www.richarliving.com. To learn more about Liebherr visit www.liebherr.com. Wheelock Design and Perlick
Chuck Wheelock is the Founder and President of Wheelock Design a kitchen design firm that makes their own cabinets out of Old Greenwich, Connecticut. He designed the wine display at Perlick booth ...
KBIS Show #2 Today in the Lounge Nick talks with Richard Anuszkeiwicz the Executive Director of the Kitchen and Bath Division for Alt Breeding Schwarz Architects, Chuck Wheelock of Wheelock Design, and Brad Egan of Niagara Conservation live from KBIS Day 2. Richard and Nick discuss how he skyrocketed his career in design in less than 10 years and about his new project with Liebherr this year at KBIS. Chuck and Nick talk about Chuck’s business and his relationship with Perlick. Nick and Brad chat about the current water crisis and what Niagra is doing to help. Getting to Know Richard Richard Anuszkeiwicz was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His favorite vacation was last year when he traveled with a continuing education course to the Honolulu Design Center in Hawaii. He loves Tom Ford. Favorite movie? Nocturnal Animals. Beer, Wine, or Cocktail? Richard loves cocktails, either a gin and tonic or vodka soda. How Richard got his Start Richard was very creative as a child. He went to school for Residential Design at Virginia Tech. Early on in the program, he was introduced to kitchen and bath. He attended KBIS Chicago as a sophomore in college and ever since, he’s been a loyal KBIS attendee. This gave him his "aha!" moment to work more with kitchens and baths. Richard encourages students to get themselves to a trade show and just shake some hands. He says that ultimately every opportunity he’s gotten has been because he met someone along the way. Richards tells us knowledge is power so don't be afraid to ask questions! The Business Today Richard graduated in 2010 and started with a Design-Build firm in Virginia. Right off the bat, they opened a brand new showroom. His vision was focused on perfecting the kitchen cabinets, the ceiling details, and the windows to go along with it. He was there for three years and then went to Alt Breeding Schwarz Architects where he is currently the lead for their casework and cabinetry division.
In 2013, Richard launched his own lifestyle brand after being mentioned in NKBA’s 30 under 30 contest. He wanted to bring new products and ideas to the market, empower the next generation, and change the general consumer's mindset on what a kitchen could or should be. He started to develop a CEU entitled, Fashion-Forward Thinking; a way to look at the world you, be inspired and use those ideas to inspire your work. Richard says design is an experience, he doesn’t sell products, he sells a lifestyle. Richard considers himself to be a chameleon for his clients, taking their raw ideas and enhancing them in every which way imaginable. Richard learns every day and his job is a passion. The Monolith Inception At KBIS 2018 Richard helped design the Monolith Inception (pictured above) with Liebherr. In a luxury market, you must be mindful of the finishes and how they function in the space. The table that Nick and Richard are sitting at is actually integrated into the island. Liebherr launched their new column series under the name Monolith. Monolith Inception is a multi-surface island with a table top, primary sink area, a work surface, and a banquette. This island is all carved from one piece of stone, hence the name. This space also includes a few other features such as the integrated armoir, which is a 30-inch refrigerator and 24-inch freezer, and the range wall. The range wall has every material from stone to wood. In the drawers you’ll find a pop of red so you’ll know it’s part of the Richar Living Collection. Other vendors that helped create the Monolithic Inception include Bentley, Superiore, Dekton USA, Grothouse Lumber Wood Tops, and Bridget Beari Designs.
To connect with Richard visit www.richarliving.com. To learn more about Liebherr visit www.liebherr.com. Wheelock Design and Perlick
Chuck Wheelock is the Founder and President of Wheelock Design a kitchen design firm that makes their own cabinets out of Old Greenwich, Connecticut. He designed the wine display at Perlick booth ...
KBIS Show #1Today in The Lounge Nick interviews two designers and one vendor live from the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Orlando, Florida. First up, Nick chats with Nissan Ringel of Liteshelf, an innovative lighting solution for kitchen and closet areas. Then stay tuned for Nick’s interview with Kerrie Kelly of Design Lab. Learn about her new business 42nd Street Design and latest brand collaborations. Lastly, Nick receives a personal guided tour from designer Vanessa DeLeon of the kitchen she designed in collaboration with True Residential.Nissan Ringel- LiteShelfNew to KBIS, LiteShelf, is quite simply, a shelf that doubles as a light. Available in three versions, classic, floating and inset, LiteShelf provides even, shadow-free lighting ideal for closet areas and kitchens. It installs easily with adhesives or brackets. Most task light solutions have a single point light source that leaves behind dark spots and is harsh on the eyes. The even lighting offered by LiteShelf provides a calming, pleasant effect that you have to see to believe. LiteShelf is available through kitchen retailers or local dealers. For more information or to become a dealer visit www.liteshelf.com. Kerrie Kelly- Brand Relationships and Custom FurnitureKerrie Kelly is the owner of Design Lab in Sacramento, California and custom furniture company 42nd Street Design. Available to the public as well as trade professionals, 42nd Street Design manufactures exclusive, custom created products that can not be purchased on Amazon or Wayfair. Their collection of case goods includes secretaries, bookcases, bar cabinets, and dressers. They also sell signature items and accessories specific to their local area of California. Brand relationships are an important component of Kerrie’s business. She continues to maintain her relationship with Brizo and Consentino and has welcomed her new relationship with Coyote Outdoor Living, Feizy rugs and Go Home. These are brands that she was already specified for her clients. Partnering with them brings forth another level to her specification allowing her to specify products that she had a role in designing. Recently Kerrie was elevated to Fellow in ASID, a trade organization of which she has been an active and engaged member since her days as a student. ASID has given her training and support that not only has elevated her as a designer but has provided her with the education and resources needed for continued success. Kerrie advises designers to think about design on a global level, seek out continued educational opportunities, and to continue to be your authentic self. You can offer the most value to your clients when you are operating as the truest version of yourself. To connect with Kerrie visit her collaboration page, or sign up for her monthly newsletter on her website. You can also catch her in attendance at the Dallas Market – Jan 17 – 23 and Las Vegas Market – Jan 28 – Feb 1Vanessa Deleon- Kitchen Tour with True ResidentialNick joins Vanessa DeLeon for a guided tour of the kitchen she designed for True Residential. Tune in with Nick, Vanessa, and Steve Proctor, the head of the Sales and Market Division at True, as they reveal their newest products on display at KBIS. All products are dual rated for indoor and outdoor use and are available in a variety of finish options. For more information or to build your own True custom appliance visit www.trueresidential.com . Chaise Lounge UpdatesTo provide our listeners with the latest information from our week at KBIS, we will be dropping a new show, recorded live from the showroom floor, every two days. On our next show, Nick will be interviewing an up and coming designer, a seasoned professional, and another vendor. The Chaise Lounge will be at The Dallas Market for the first time on Jan 17-23.ResourcesBenjamin MoorePorcelanosaDesign Manager Universal FurnitureUpcoming EventsAtlanta Market – Jan 9 – 16Dallas Market – Jan 17 – 23Las Vegas Market – Jan 28 – Feb...
KBIS Show #1Today in The Lounge Nick interviews two designers and one vendor live from the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Orlando, Florida. First up, Nick chats with Nissan Ringel of Liteshelf, an innovative lighting solution for kitchen and closet areas. Then stay tuned for Nick’s interview with Kerrie Kelly of Design Lab. Learn about her new business 42nd Street Design and latest brand collaborations. Lastly, Nick receives a personal guided tour from designer Vanessa DeLeon of the kitchen she designed in collaboration with True Residential.Nissan Ringel- LiteShelfNew to KBIS, LiteShelf, is quite simply, a shelf that doubles as a light. Available in three versions, classic, floating and inset, LiteShelf provides even, shadow-free lighting ideal for closet areas and kitchens. It installs easily with adhesives or brackets. Most task light solutions have a single point light source that leaves behind dark spots and is harsh on the eyes. The even lighting offered by LiteShelf provides a calming, pleasant effect that you have to see to believe. LiteShelf is available through kitchen retailers or local dealers. For more information or to become a dealer visit www.liteshelf.com. Kerrie Kelly- Brand Relationships and Custom FurnitureKerrie Kelly is the owner of Design Lab in Sacramento, California and custom furniture company 42nd Street Design. Available to the public as well as trade professionals, 42nd Street Design manufactures exclusive, custom created products that can not be purchased on Amazon or Wayfair. Their collection of case goods includes secretaries, bookcases, bar cabinets, and dressers. They also sell signature items and accessories specific to their local area of California. Brand relationships are an important component of Kerrie’s business. She continues to maintain her relationship with Brizo and Consentino and has welcomed her new relationship with Coyote Outdoor Living, Feizy rugs and Go Home. These are brands that she was already specified for her clients. Partnering with them brings forth another level to her specification allowing her to specify products that she had a role in designing. Recently Kerrie was elevated to Fellow in ASID, a trade organization of which she has been an active and engaged member since her days as a student. ASID has given her training and support that not only has elevated her as a designer but has provided her with the education and resources needed for continued success. Kerrie advises designers to think about design on a global level, seek out continued educational opportunities, and to continue to be your authentic self. You can offer the most value to your clients when you are operating as the truest version of yourself. To connect with Kerrie visit her collaboration page, or sign up for her monthly newsletter on her website. You can also catch her in attendance at the Dallas Market – Jan 17 – 23 and Las Vegas Market – Jan 28 – Feb 1Vanessa Deleon- Kitchen Tour with True ResidentialNick joins Vanessa DeLeon for a guided tour of the kitchen she designed for True Residential. Tune in with Nick, Vanessa, and Steve Proctor, the head of the Sales and Market Division at True, as they reveal their newest products on display at KBIS. All products are dual rated for indoor and outdoor use and are available in a variety of finish options. For more information or to build your own True custom appliance visit www.trueresidential.com . Chaise Lounge UpdatesTo provide our listeners with the latest information from our week at KBIS, we will be dropping a new show, recorded live from the showroom floor, every two days. On our next show, Nick will be interviewing an up and coming designer, a seasoned professional, and another vendor. The Chaise Lounge will be at The Dallas Market for the first time on Jan 17-23.ResourcesBenjamin MoorePorcelanosaDesign Manager Universal FurnitureUpcoming EventsAtlanta Market – Jan 9 – 16Dallas Market – Jan 17 – 23Las Vegas Market – Jan 28 – Feb...
Kevin O’Shea: A Dream Come True Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Kevin O’Shea from Salt Hotels in his New York Porcelanosa office before heading off to BDNY. Kevin talks about how food was his first interest in hospitality, his start with Starwood Hotels, how and where Salt Hotels was born and his experience running the company with his husband and team. Getting to Know Kevin Kevin enjoys watching indie films and prefers a glass of wine over a beer or cocktail. His house was formerly a fine dining restaurant and appropriately, his favorite room is the kitchen. He finds cooking to be a relaxing pastime. While there are no specific dishes he prefers to make over others, he does enjoy cooking family recipes passed down from his Italian grandmother. From Colorado to the East Coast Kevin grew up in the Westminster area of Denver, Colorado. After graduating high school, he attended Johnson and Wales University to earn a degree in food and beverage hospitality before deciding it was not for him. He then transferred to Rhode Island School of Design to complete an interior architecture degree. From there, he landed an internship in New York with Sheraton-Starwood where he was then able to join the initial Le Meredien team after graduation. He stayed with Starwood for about a year before moving to Morgans Hotel Group and being part of their team for three and a half years. Just before 2008, Kevin broke off on his own in New York. Pillars of Salt
The vision for Salt Hotels began with the idyllic dream Kevin and his husband had of one day owning a Bed & Breakfast. That dream came true when they renovated an old building into what is known today as the Salt House in Provincetown, New York. Within a week of opening, it appeared on The Today Show and made the hotlist of places to stay in Provincetown. This made Kevin and his husband realize that they had something special that later turned into three other hotels in the United States.
Kevin took his experience designing for large hotels and combined it with the comfort of a B&B to set his spaces apart from the rest. To maintain the Salt brand in all the other hotels, he includes gourmet breakfast in his visitors’ stay. There is no central Salt Hotels office but rather local offices built near the hotels.
Team Unity and Community Everyone hired by Salt Hotels sets their own hours and work diligently. By hiring professionals who are passionate about their work, team unity is assured.
Salt Hotels is proud to be able to provide steady, stable jobs in a typically seasonal market. They also have Salt School open to the public where admitted applicants may earn a design degree and apply it wherever they wish.
Visit www.salthotels.com to learn more.
Upcoming Events
Atlanta Market – Jan 9 – 16
Dallas Market – Jan 17 – 23
Las Vegas Market – Jan 28 – Feb 1
Modernism Week – Feb 15 – 25
Design Bloggers Conference – March 4 – 6
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Kevin O’Shea: A Dream Come True Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Kevin O’Shea from Salt Hotels in his New York Porcelanosa office before heading off to BDNY. Kevin talks about how food was his first interest in hospitality, his start with Starwood Hotels, how and where Salt Hotels was born and his experience running the company with his husband and team. Getting to Know Kevin Kevin enjoys watching indie films and prefers a glass of wine over a beer or cocktail. His house was formerly a fine dining restaurant and appropriately, his favorite room is the kitchen. He finds cooking to be a relaxing pastime. While there are no specific dishes he prefers to make over others, he does enjoy cooking family recipes passed down from his Italian grandmother. From Colorado to the East Coast Kevin grew up in the Westminster area of Denver, Colorado. After graduating high school, he attended Johnson and Wales University to earn a degree in food and beverage hospitality before deciding it was not for him. He then transferred to Rhode Island School of Design to complete an interior architecture degree. From there, he landed an internship in New York with Sheraton-Starwood where he was then able to join the initial Le Meredien team after graduation. He stayed with Starwood for about a year before moving to Morgans Hotel Group and being part of their team for three and a half years. Just before 2008, Kevin broke off on his own in New York. Pillars of Salt
The vision for Salt Hotels began with the idyllic dream Kevin and his husband had of one day owning a Bed & Breakfast. That dream came true when they renovated an old building into what is known today as the Salt House in Provincetown, New York. Within a week of opening, it appeared on The Today Show and made the hotlist of places to stay in Provincetown. This made Kevin and his husband realize that they had something special that later turned into three other hotels in the United States.
Kevin took his experience designing for large hotels and combined it with the comfort of a B&B to set his spaces apart from the rest. To maintain the Salt brand in all the other hotels, he includes gourmet breakfast in his visitors’ stay. There is no central Salt Hotels office but rather local offices built near the hotels.
Team Unity and Community Everyone hired by Salt Hotels sets their own hours and work diligently. By hiring professionals who are passionate about their work, team unity is assured.
Salt Hotels is proud to be able to provide steady, stable jobs in a typically seasonal market. They also have Salt School open to the public where admitted applicants may earn a design degree and apply it wherever they wish.
Visit www.salthotels.com to learn more.
Upcoming Events
Atlanta Market – Jan 9 – 16
Dallas Market – Jan 17 – 23
Las Vegas Market – Jan 28 – Feb 1
Modernism Week – Feb 15 – 25
Design Bloggers Conference – March 4 – 6
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Today in The Lounge, Nick talks shop with Kevin Htain of Identity Home Staging, Real Estate Stager and HGTV contributor. Very well known in California, Kevin had an interesting pathway through the design world to end up as one of staging's most high profile players. Find out more, in this episode of the Chaise Lounge. The Business Kevins start t in the interior design business was designing model homes and leasing offices with KB Homes as his first gig out of college. He began as a studio art major in school, but then realized he needed his creative education to have a solid business fundamental. That's when he discovered interior design. He has since worked for powerhouses like Ikea and progressive businesses like Pacific Dimensions, a merchandising company that seeks to blend traditional staging techniques with cutting-edge design trends. It was the most unlikely of avenues that finally got him into the staging industry though…a call from Mom. She had heard about it from a friend and recommend Kevin look into it. The rest, as they say, is history. Kevin was enrolled in staging training just weeks later. Staging and Interior Design…What’s the difference anyway? Kevin believes that home staging is all about putting a home’s best foot forward; if it had legs of course. It is really real estate market driven, so one needs to understand that segment in addition to having a background in design and aesthetics. Interior design on the other hand, is all about customization and personalization. It is design for a particular person or persons in mind. Staging is much less personal but still geared towards that target client. California’s staging market is robust, so staging is seen as a valuable tool at a seller’s disposal. Staging works across the board; in all budgets. Its all about helping the property perform at it’s highest potential. What it Takes Kevin has a team of 7. They include his stylists and moving crew. It can be tough to maintain a team in this industry, due to the fast pace and the eventual burn out that team members can face. That is one of the biggest challenges to be overcome. Keeping inventory fresh is another critical factor in keeping installations fresh and having properties show at their best. Some brands are also beginning to position themselves to meet the unique needs of the staging community. Brands like Uttermost, Coaster, and Ashley offer pieces that are striking, yet lightweight and easy to maneuver. Always keep the price point of the property in mind and stage accordingly. The scale and colorway in a million dollar home is going to be different than your average home's inventory. A really good stager understands this and can market properties effectively. Getting into the TV Game Kevin is proud to share that Identity Home Staging has worked on 46 projects with HGTV over the last 3-4 years. There were originally contacted by the casting agency for the show ‘Flip or Flop’. Its been a great fit over the years and now Kevin will be contributing to the upcoming HGTV show ‘House to Home’. The next steps for Identity Home is to start their own furniture line. Nick is excited to pass some connections along in that area and to questions why there isn’t a current HGTV show focused solely on staging (hint, hint, casting!). IAHSP and Kevin’s Commitment to Training Staging Professionals Kevin Co-chairs training for the International Association of Home Staging Professionals. He is passionate about attending as many of the events as possible and keeping stagers trained in the latest merchandising techniques. His biggest piece of advice to students looking to join the field of staging is to challenge themselves not only to focus on the design side but also to be really well versed in the real estate market. That combination of design knowledge and business savviness is a winning one. Just ask Kevin…he knows for sure!
Learn more about Identity Home Staging online at: www.identityhome.com
Today in The Lounge, Nick talks shop with Kevin Htain of Identity Home Staging, Real Estate Stager and HGTV contributor. Very well known in California, Kevin had an interesting pathway through the design world to end up as one of staging's most high profile players. Find out more, in this episode of the Chaise Lounge. The Business Kevins start t in the interior design business was designing model homes and leasing offices with KB Homes as his first gig out of college. He began as a studio art major in school, but then realized he needed his creative education to have a solid business fundamental. That's when he discovered interior design. He has since worked for powerhouses like Ikea and progressive businesses like Pacific Dimensions, a merchandising company that seeks to blend traditional staging techniques with cutting-edge design trends. It was the most unlikely of avenues that finally got him into the staging industry though…a call from Mom. She had heard about it from a friend and recommend Kevin look into it. The rest, as they say, is history. Kevin was enrolled in staging training just weeks later. Staging and Interior Design…What’s the difference anyway? Kevin believes that home staging is all about putting a home’s best foot forward; if it had legs of course. It is really real estate market driven, so one needs to understand that segment in addition to having a background in design and aesthetics. Interior design on the other hand, is all about customization and personalization. It is design for a particular person or persons in mind. Staging is much less personal but still geared towards that target client. California’s staging market is robust, so staging is seen as a valuable tool at a seller’s disposal. Staging works across the board; in all budgets. Its all about helping the property perform at it’s highest potential. What it Takes Kevin has a team of 7. They include his stylists and moving crew. It can be tough to maintain a team in this industry, due to the fast pace and the eventual burn out that team members can face. That is one of the biggest challenges to be overcome. Keeping inventory fresh is another critical factor in keeping installations fresh and having properties show at their best. Some brands are also beginning to position themselves to meet the unique needs of the staging community. Brands like Uttermost, Coaster, and Ashley offer pieces that are striking, yet lightweight and easy to maneuver. Always keep the price point of the property in mind and stage accordingly. The scale and colorway in a million dollar home is going to be different than your average home's inventory. A really good stager understands this and can market properties effectively. Getting into the TV Game Kevin is proud to share that Identity Home Staging has worked on 46 projects with HGTV over the last 3-4 years. There were originally contacted by the casting agency for the show ‘Flip or Flop’. Its been a great fit over the years and now Kevin will be contributing to the upcoming HGTV show ‘House to Home’. The next steps for Identity Home is to start their own furniture line. Nick is excited to pass some connections along in that area and to questions why there isn’t a current HGTV show focused solely on staging (hint, hint, casting!). IAHSP and Kevin’s Commitment to Training Staging Professionals Kevin Co-chairs training for the International Association of Home Staging Professionals. He is passionate about attending as many of the events as possible and keeping stagers trained in the latest merchandising techniques. His biggest piece of advice to students looking to join the field of staging is to challenge themselves not only to focus on the design side but also to be really well versed in the real estate market. That combination of design knowledge and business savviness is a winning one. Just ask Kevin…he knows for sure!
Learn more about Identity Home Staging online at: www.identityhome.com
Steven Favreau: From Broadway to The Favreaulous Factory Steven Favreau attributes his success as a designer to his first career as a singer, dancer, and actor on Broadway. As an actor you are the business, constantly training every day and always looking for the next job. It is a good way to realize that you can only be your very best and the rest is out of your control. The skills he learned from his first career are still utilized to this day. Growing up in Milford, Massachusetts, Steven became involved in theater in high school, believing that his future career will be in fine arts or theater. His journey as a professional actor led him to Broadway, Dutch television, Paris, as a dancer at Moulin Rouge, and as a cruise ship performer, eventually making his way to Cruise Director for American Hawaii Cruises. Eventually, he lost the theater bug and went back to school to study interior design at Fashion Institute of Technology. While in school he worked part-time at a public relations firm, then as a fundraising director and marketer for Papermill Playhouse in NJ before getting recruited to San Francisco.
After moving to San Francisco Steven opened Stage Struck, a local home staging company. The concept of staging has its origins in San Francisco, and there few sellers who don't stage their homes. Working with a network of realtors enabled Steven to grow his clientele. The concept of staging is best practiced when thought of as marketing for a house. Instead of what the homeowner wants, think about what everyone else would want to see in that house. The challenge is to create a neutral home that will appeal to as many people as possible but still have that wow factor. After Steven found his groove, he began getting multiple offers and continued referrals. Eight years later, Steven decided to return to the east coast to be closer to family but continues to manage his San Francisco staging company. Nostalgic for Europe, Steven was looking to purchase a vacation home in an area that reminded him of Europe but wasn't a European city. He was drawn to the unspoiled nature of Vermont and ultimately purchased and renovated his vacation home. East Coast Return and Career Growth Steven’s newly renovated vacation home became the cover story and feature of Design New England Magazine’s December Issue. In anticipation of the article’s release, Steven hired a publicist to market himself. He attributes the immediate growth of his business to having a publicist as they were able to do in 6 months what it took him 6 years to achieve in San Francisco. The publicist introduced him to top builders, architects, and editors. However, Steven recommends knowing what you want to get out of the partnership before bringing a publicist on as they need to be guided to ensure their ideals fit with your master plan.
Today, Steven runs a multifaceted design company, Favreau Design. A strong believer in the power of intention, Steven recommends others to start learning how to dream and putting that dream out to the universe, speaking it out loud and often. His intentions are coming true once again with the opening of the Faverlous Factory, a11,0000 sq ft urban loft. The Faverlous Factory will be part showroom, part open workspace, co-shared with like-minded builders, architects, and inventors. The showroom component will dedicate 3000 sq ft to selling furniture, curated vintage pieces and antiques, wallpaper, and lighting. Additionally, Steven and his fiance are co-founding an online design site for millennials called Printz. A joint partnership with an MIT alum, Printz is an online platform that blends social media with 3-D design software, allowing friends and family to provide their opinion on potential products prior to making a purchase. It is currently in beta testing. Steven is also stepping into the product development arena, working on producing licensed products for a NYC based rug company. Keys to Success
Steven Favreau: From Broadway to The Favreaulous Factory Steven Favreau attributes his success as a designer to his first career as a singer, dancer, and actor on Broadway. As an actor you are the business, constantly training every day and always looking for the next job. It is a good way to realize that you can only be your very best and the rest is out of your control. The skills he learned from his first career are still utilized to this day. Growing up in Milford, Massachusetts, Steven became involved in theater in high school, believing that his future career will be in fine arts or theater. His journey as a professional actor led him to Broadway, Dutch television, Paris, as a dancer at Moulin Rouge, and as a cruise ship performer, eventually making his way to Cruise Director for American Hawaii Cruises. Eventually, he lost the theater bug and went back to school to study interior design at Fashion Institute of Technology. While in school he worked part-time at a public relations firm, then as a fundraising director and marketer for Papermill Playhouse in NJ before getting recruited to San Francisco.
After moving to San Francisco Steven opened Stage Struck, a local home staging company. The concept of staging has its origins in San Francisco, and there few sellers who don't stage their homes. Working with a network of realtors enabled Steven to grow his clientele. The concept of staging is best practiced when thought of as marketing for a house. Instead of what the homeowner wants, think about what everyone else would want to see in that house. The challenge is to create a neutral home that will appeal to as many people as possible but still have that wow factor. After Steven found his groove, he began getting multiple offers and continued referrals. Eight years later, Steven decided to return to the east coast to be closer to family but continues to manage his San Francisco staging company. Nostalgic for Europe, Steven was looking to purchase a vacation home in an area that reminded him of Europe but wasn't a European city. He was drawn to the unspoiled nature of Vermont and ultimately purchased and renovated his vacation home. East Coast Return and Career Growth Steven’s newly renovated vacation home became the cover story and feature of Design New England Magazine’s December Issue. In anticipation of the article’s release, Steven hired a publicist to market himself. He attributes the immediate growth of his business to having a publicist as they were able to do in 6 months what it took him 6 years to achieve in San Francisco. The publicist introduced him to top builders, architects, and editors. However, Steven recommends knowing what you want to get out of the partnership before bringing a publicist on as they need to be guided to ensure their ideals fit with your master plan.
Today, Steven runs a multifaceted design company, Favreau Design. A strong believer in the power of intention, Steven recommends others to start learning how to dream and putting that dream out to the universe, speaking it out loud and often. His intentions are coming true once again with the opening of the Faverlous Factory, a11,0000 sq ft urban loft. The Faverlous Factory will be part showroom, part open workspace, co-shared with like-minded builders, architects, and inventors. The showroom component will dedicate 3000 sq ft to selling furniture, curated vintage pieces and antiques, wallpaper, and lighting. Additionally, Steven and his fiance are co-founding an online design site for millennials called Printz. A joint partnership with an MIT alum, Printz is an online platform that blends social media with 3-D design software, allowing friends and family to provide their opinion on potential products prior to making a purchase. It is currently in beta testing. Steven is also stepping into the product development arena, working on producing licensed products for a NYC based rug company. Keys to Success
Andreas Eickholt: German Designer Today in the Lounge Nick speaks with Andreas Eickholt all the way from Cologne, Germany. Andreas works with the Voglauer Hotel Concept. He is the department lead for Architecture and Calculations. He and his team find design solutions and work on corporate appearance for the hotels and companies. They specialize in the interior of hotels but they have also worked exteriors as well. Andreas and Nick discuss what it is like working with Porcelanosa products and how Andreas' German-based company keeps America and Americans in mind.
Getting to Know Andreas
Andreas is trained as an interior designer. In Germany, University interior designers and architects receive almost the same education with differences in exterior design and their specializations. Andreas also received a carpentry education in the 70s. He decided to go to school in the evenings to further his education in architecture and interior design. Andreas loves every place he has visited because each place has unique sights and different things to enjoy. He fancies watching movies and read books and enjoys working on his home in his spare time. His favorite movie is Das Boat. "Beer, wine or cocktail?" He prefers a red wine in the evening but a cool beer at parties. How Andreas Got His Start Andreas' first job as an interior designer was to design and plan butteries, bakeries, butcheries, and restaurants. He did this job for about seven years. After that, he went to a spa design company that is no longer in Germany but still thriving in 148 different countries including, South Africa, France, and Austria. He was part of the international design group in Amsterdam. This job has taken him to Miland, Oslo, and Ireland to learn what the different functional needs of other countries are. The company worked a lot on branding so that they could be as well known as McDonald's He stayed with them for six and half years as an independent contractor.
Andreas later went into wellness. He says despite the job area, he was not relaxed while working in sauna and wellness centers. He learned a lot though about water, lighting, and sound techniques for relaxation. He was the general contractor for these jobs and worked four years as a partner. Andreas left because he had different ideas of leading a company and how to treat clients. Next, he went Joi Design. They worked on a brand new building and wanted it to capture the different stories of the Lindner Park Hagenbeck Hotel, the world’s first zoo theme hotel, in Hamburg. The ground floor's theme is colonization. The first and the second floor are Africa, the third and fourth are Asia, and the top floors are the Arctic World. He was with Joi Design for about four years. Andreas' Company Today
Andreas now works on rebuilding old hotels and giving them new life. They like to know the stories and backgrounds of their clients before they start on a project. Andreas wants to be able to build successful business interactions with his clients as well as stand out from competitors. They deal with branded hotels that have guidelines and are recognizable all over the world to help the customer feel like they are at home no matter where they stay in the world. He finds that working with unbranded hotels more pleasant and he loves coming up with new ideas and building from the ground up. Working with Porcelanosa and Americans Andreas has used Porcelanosa products such as tiles and tubs. He says that their products fit in with their designs very well. He thinks that Porcelanosa really has the spirit to design well for hotels fits in well with the story they are trying to tell.
Andreas hopes to have a very big and well known hotel design project. He says the American way of life influences what’s going on in Europe just as Americans are always looking to Europe for inspiration. He says that America has very modern feel and they keep an eye on America to see what is happening next.
Andreas Eickholt: German Designer Today in the Lounge Nick speaks with Andreas Eickholt all the way from Cologne, Germany. Andreas works with the Voglauer Hotel Concept. He is the department lead for Architecture and Calculations. He and his team find design solutions and work on corporate appearance for the hotels and companies. They specialize in the interior of hotels but they have also worked exteriors as well. Andreas and Nick discuss what it is like working with Porcelanosa products and how Andreas' German-based company keeps America and Americans in mind.
Getting to Know Andreas
Andreas is trained as an interior designer. In Germany, University interior designers and architects receive almost the same education with differences in exterior design and their specializations. Andreas also received a carpentry education in the 70s. He decided to go to school in the evenings to further his education in architecture and interior design. Andreas loves every place he has visited because each place has unique sights and different things to enjoy. He fancies watching movies and read books and enjoys working on his home in his spare time. His favorite movie is Das Boat. "Beer, wine or cocktail?" He prefers a red wine in the evening but a cool beer at parties. How Andreas Got His Start Andreas' first job as an interior designer was to design and plan butteries, bakeries, butcheries, and restaurants. He did this job for about seven years. After that, he went to a spa design company that is no longer in Germany but still thriving in 148 different countries including, South Africa, France, and Austria. He was part of the international design group in Amsterdam. This job has taken him to Miland, Oslo, and Ireland to learn what the different functional needs of other countries are. The company worked a lot on branding so that they could be as well known as McDonald's He stayed with them for six and half years as an independent contractor.
Andreas later went into wellness. He says despite the job area, he was not relaxed while working in sauna and wellness centers. He learned a lot though about water, lighting, and sound techniques for relaxation. He was the general contractor for these jobs and worked four years as a partner. Andreas left because he had different ideas of leading a company and how to treat clients. Next, he went Joi Design. They worked on a brand new building and wanted it to capture the different stories of the Lindner Park Hagenbeck Hotel, the world’s first zoo theme hotel, in Hamburg. The ground floor's theme is colonization. The first and the second floor are Africa, the third and fourth are Asia, and the top floors are the Arctic World. He was with Joi Design for about four years. Andreas' Company Today
Andreas now works on rebuilding old hotels and giving them new life. They like to know the stories and backgrounds of their clients before they start on a project. Andreas wants to be able to build successful business interactions with his clients as well as stand out from competitors. They deal with branded hotels that have guidelines and are recognizable all over the world to help the customer feel like they are at home no matter where they stay in the world. He finds that working with unbranded hotels more pleasant and he loves coming up with new ideas and building from the ground up. Working with Porcelanosa and Americans Andreas has used Porcelanosa products such as tiles and tubs. He says that their products fit in with their designs very well. He thinks that Porcelanosa really has the spirit to design well for hotels fits in well with the story they are trying to tell.
Andreas hopes to have a very big and well known hotel design project. He says the American way of life influences what’s going on in Europe just as Americans are always looking to Europe for inspiration. He says that America has very modern feel and they keep an eye on America to see what is happening next.
Todd Ellenberger: Lux Drapes to Lux Space Today in The Lounge, Nick interviews Todd Ellenberger of Hirsch Bedner Associates while at the Porcelanosa office in New York. They talk about Todd’s love of cooking, what engendered his interest in interior design, how and where he got his start and the sort of work he does today. Getting to Know Todd Todd is a native to Atlanta, Georgia and currently lives just outside of the city center. He enjoys cooking and grilling, though does not partake in creating desserts. His favorite fashion accessory is the lapel pin while his favorite vacation spot is the Key West. Rocket Man in Architectural Digest: Todd’s Inspiration Todd’s grandparents always had home and garden magazines on hand when he visited, which he delighted in. He maintained his affinity for the design of spaces growing up, although it wasn’t until his senior year of high school in 1993 that he decided he wanted to pursue interior design. At that time, Architectural Digest had published an issue featuring Elton John’s house in Atlanta, Georgia and, being a big fan, Todd decided he too wanted to be able to design something for him one day.
Todd then attended Southern Georgia University and earned his degree in design but worked a year of substitute teaching at elementary schools after graduation. After that, he got a job designing draperies in a workroom for a high-end residential company where he stayed for two-and-a-half years. While initially he was disappointed with his employment, he later became grateful because it put him into contact with other designers which then allowed him to be considered and hired by Stan Topol.
Stan Topol made him a design assistant. He was able to meet Elton John through that position, but after six years, he spoke with an “interior design headhunter” who led him to his next job as a senior designer with Hirsch Bedner. Working in Hospitality One of the differences Todd noted between working in hospitality and residential was that he was allowed more creativity on hospitality projects. The challenge is in the budget and communicating well with all parties involved in the project.
In order to get a project green-lit in hospitality, the designers have to go through a number of processes. They must build and pitch concepts to the client that suit their needs and outmatch the competition. Those working on the financial side of the project must also come to an agreement with the designers on costs and prototype rooms usually need to be constructed off-site before on-site work can be started.
The work typically takes around eighteen months to complete. Todd and his team work with their clients to decide on brands to use and are present from the first day to post-opening. Tips and Trends A trend Todd has noticed in the hospitality industry is that the entire building is seeing fuller use. The hotel lobby is no longer simply a waiting area but a workspace and a hangout spot. Hotels are also trying to mimic the feel of a home while homes are attempting to mimic the feel of a hotel.
Todd’s advice to any student looking to get into hospitality designs is to start small in other hospitality spaces such as restaurants. He also recommends learning graphic design because it is an integral part of the business.
To learn more about Todd Ellenberger and Hirsch Bedner Associates, visit www.hba.com. Chaise Lounge Updates Find out about our Holiday Giveaway HERE!
Win a trip to Spain HERE!
Download our E-Book HERE!
Upcoming Events
KBIS – Jan 9 – 11
Atlanta Market – Jan 9 – 16
Dallas Market – Jan 17 – 23
Las Vegas Market – Jan 28 – Feb 1
Modernism Week – Feb 15 – 25
Design Bloggers Conference – March 4 – 6
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram,
Todd Ellenberger: Lux Drapes to Lux Space Today in The Lounge, Nick interviews Todd Ellenberger of Hirsch Bedner Associates while at the Porcelanosa office in New York. They talk about Todd’s love of cooking, what engendered his interest in interior design, how and where he got his start and the sort of work he does today. Getting to Know Todd Todd is a native to Atlanta, Georgia and currently lives just outside of the city center. He enjoys cooking and grilling, though does not partake in creating desserts. His favorite fashion accessory is the lapel pin while his favorite vacation spot is the Key West. Rocket Man in Architectural Digest: Todd’s Inspiration Todd’s grandparents always had home and garden magazines on hand when he visited, which he delighted in. He maintained his affinity for the design of spaces growing up, although it wasn’t until his senior year of high school in 1993 that he decided he wanted to pursue interior design. At that time, Architectural Digest had published an issue featuring Elton John’s house in Atlanta, Georgia and, being a big fan, Todd decided he too wanted to be able to design something for him one day.
Todd then attended Southern Georgia University and earned his degree in design but worked a year of substitute teaching at elementary schools after graduation. After that, he got a job designing draperies in a workroom for a high-end residential company where he stayed for two-and-a-half years. While initially he was disappointed with his employment, he later became grateful because it put him into contact with other designers which then allowed him to be considered and hired by Stan Topol.
Stan Topol made him a design assistant. He was able to meet Elton John through that position, but after six years, he spoke with an “interior design headhunter” who led him to his next job as a senior designer with Hirsch Bedner. Working in Hospitality One of the differences Todd noted between working in hospitality and residential was that he was allowed more creativity on hospitality projects. The challenge is in the budget and communicating well with all parties involved in the project.
In order to get a project green-lit in hospitality, the designers have to go through a number of processes. They must build and pitch concepts to the client that suit their needs and outmatch the competition. Those working on the financial side of the project must also come to an agreement with the designers on costs and prototype rooms usually need to be constructed off-site before on-site work can be started.
The work typically takes around eighteen months to complete. Todd and his team work with their clients to decide on brands to use and are present from the first day to post-opening. Tips and Trends A trend Todd has noticed in the hospitality industry is that the entire building is seeing fuller use. The hotel lobby is no longer simply a waiting area but a workspace and a hangout spot. Hotels are also trying to mimic the feel of a home while homes are attempting to mimic the feel of a hotel.
Todd’s advice to any student looking to get into hospitality designs is to start small in other hospitality spaces such as restaurants. He also recommends learning graphic design because it is an integral part of the business.
To learn more about Todd Ellenberger and Hirsch Bedner Associates, visit www.hba.com. Chaise Lounge Updates Find out about our Holiday Giveaway HERE!
Win a trip to Spain HERE!
Download our E-Book HERE!
Upcoming Events
KBIS – Jan 9 – 11
Atlanta Market – Jan 9 – 16
Dallas Market – Jan 17 – 23
Las Vegas Market – Jan 28 – Feb 1
Modernism Week – Feb 15 – 25
Design Bloggers Conference – March 4 – 6
BD West – April 4 – 5
High Point Market – April 14 – 18
HD Expo – May 2 – 4
ICFF – May 20 – 23
NeoCon – June 11 – 13 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram,
Sharyn McBride: Where Travel and Design Collide Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Sharyn McBride of Belson Design and Design Tours. Sharyn is located in beautiful Melbourne, Australia and is driven to expose her fellow Aussies to a design education that reaches far beyond her native shores. Find out more, in this episode of The Chaise Lounge. Breaking the Ice First and foremost...Nick wants to visit Australia and he isn’t shy about sharing it! After making that point clear, he learns some interesting fashion tidbits from Sharyn. She is a big fan of shoes as a go-to statement accessory. Her faves are colorful ankle boots. Though not necessarily a fan of the Ugg boot, she is happy to share that these are originally from her native land and that it was interesting to watch them evolve from house slippers to full-on streetwear. Her favorite room in her well-designed house is her master bedroom. It is truly her sanctuary. The only spot that is off limits is her garage full of finds from her travels abroad, which can get a bit messy! The best advice that she received from her parents growing up was to never give up and her mum’s especially sage advice: don’t leave the house without lipstick! Getting into the business Sharyn McBride started her career as a buyer in the fashion industry. She noticed a gap in the market after welcoming her own baby boy and created a line of embroidered bespoke baby blankets. Sharon fell gravely ill in the early 2000’s and faced a two-year climb back to health. It was at that point that she decided that she would exclusively pursue creative work. She knew that all of the efforts and hard work would give her that sense of joy and satisfaction; as long as she pursued her passion. Her interior design career began in her home and friends’ homes. It was also at this time that she realized that exposure and education equaled really great design. She traveled to around her native Australia and to the US; New York specifically. There she was able to learn more about show homes, such as Kips Bay and the design markets available to designers in the US. Belson Design was launched soon after in 2016.
The Development of Design Tours After having the opportunity to travel to the US, Japan and other parts of the world, Sharyn realized just how little exposure the Australian design community was getting. There were so many more resources to discover beyond her borders. There was an opportunity to give Australian designers access to show houses and masters of design such as Frank Lloyd Wright. Sharyn developed tours to the US and Japan that she now runs three times a year! Nick gave a great suggestion to set up US tour groups to come down to Australia…let’s see if this takes off! Sharyn is all for being a part of orchestrating culture absorbing trips. Making time for Design Despite running three 7-9 day tours a year, Sharyn still finds time to serve her clients through Belson Design. Her upcoming projects include a mid-scale home renovation and her very first commercial gig at tile showroom in Melbourne. She is mainly a one-woman show but has the helping hands of a part-time tour assistant and design assistant. She also has built great relationships with contractors, so her clients have that additional option if they do not have contacts of their own.
Sharyn is adamant about being confident as a designer and not being afraid to value your services as they should be. She charges per service for her initial contact with clients. She has differing fees for consultations, mood boards, and full design plans. Never let a client rush you into decision making. As creatives, we need time to absorb and create our plans. The Keys to Successful Marketing and Presentation Sharyn really believes in great presentation. That starts with a great website and business cards. These are just the initial tools, however. The magic is in pounding the pavement…network, network, network. Get as much exposure as you can.
Sharyn McBride: Where Travel and Design Collide Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Sharyn McBride of Belson Design and Design Tours. Sharyn is located in beautiful Melbourne, Australia and is driven to expose her fellow Aussies to a design education that reaches far beyond her native shores. Find out more, in this episode of The Chaise Lounge. Breaking the Ice First and foremost...Nick wants to visit Australia and he isn’t shy about sharing it! After making that point clear, he learns some interesting fashion tidbits from Sharyn. She is a big fan of shoes as a go-to statement accessory. Her faves are colorful ankle boots. Though not necessarily a fan of the Ugg boot, she is happy to share that these are originally from her native land and that it was interesting to watch them evolve from house slippers to full-on streetwear. Her favorite room in her well-designed house is her master bedroom. It is truly her sanctuary. The only spot that is off limits is her garage full of finds from her travels abroad, which can get a bit messy! The best advice that she received from her parents growing up was to never give up and her mum’s especially sage advice: don’t leave the house without lipstick! Getting into the business Sharyn McBride started her career as a buyer in the fashion industry. She noticed a gap in the market after welcoming her own baby boy and created a line of embroidered bespoke baby blankets. Sharon fell gravely ill in the early 2000’s and faced a two-year climb back to health. It was at that point that she decided that she would exclusively pursue creative work. She knew that all of the efforts and hard work would give her that sense of joy and satisfaction; as long as she pursued her passion. Her interior design career began in her home and friends’ homes. It was also at this time that she realized that exposure and education equaled really great design. She traveled to around her native Australia and to the US; New York specifically. There she was able to learn more about show homes, such as Kips Bay and the design markets available to designers in the US. Belson Design was launched soon after in 2016.
The Development of Design Tours After having the opportunity to travel to the US, Japan and other parts of the world, Sharyn realized just how little exposure the Australian design community was getting. There were so many more resources to discover beyond her borders. There was an opportunity to give Australian designers access to show houses and masters of design such as Frank Lloyd Wright. Sharyn developed tours to the US and Japan that she now runs three times a year! Nick gave a great suggestion to set up US tour groups to come down to Australia…let’s see if this takes off! Sharyn is all for being a part of orchestrating culture absorbing trips. Making time for Design Despite running three 7-9 day tours a year, Sharyn still finds time to serve her clients through Belson Design. Her upcoming projects include a mid-scale home renovation and her very first commercial gig at tile showroom in Melbourne. She is mainly a one-woman show but has the helping hands of a part-time tour assistant and design assistant. She also has built great relationships with contractors, so her clients have that additional option if they do not have contacts of their own.
Sharyn is adamant about being confident as a designer and not being afraid to value your services as they should be. She charges per service for her initial contact with clients. She has differing fees for consultations, mood boards, and full design plans. Never let a client rush you into decision making. As creatives, we need time to absorb and create our plans. The Keys to Successful Marketing and Presentation Sharyn really believes in great presentation. That starts with a great website and business cards. These are just the initial tools, however. The magic is in pounding the pavement…network, network, network. Get as much exposure as you can.
Industry: Trade Shows! Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Phyllis Harbinger of Design Concepts Interiors and Harbinger Design Consulting, live from the media lounge at BDNY. Phyllis discusses the current need for designers to collaborate across different sectors and the positive benefits of attending as many trade shows as possible. Then stay tuned for Nick’s interview with Bill Darcy, CEO of NKBA on what to expect at the KBIS trade show in January. Phyllis Harbinger at BDNY Collaborative Design Phyllis Harbinger is mostly a residential designer but looks to hospitality design for inspiration. The lines between residential and commercial design are blurring and now more than ever designers need to be aware of the current design trends. One of the ways this is evident is in mixed-use developments. Mixed-use developments combine retail, apartments, hotels, restaurants and possibly a school, movie theater or hospital with dwelling spaces to make a full-scale community within a bigger universe. Designers need to function more collaboratively to react to this shifting trend. Hudson Yards is the newest design community encompassing this change. Located across the street from BDNY, Hudson Yard includes parks, retail spaces, restaurants, and condos within the confines of one community. A project such as this would employ landscape architects designing the terrain, graphic designers producing signage graphics, artists/sculptors, and city planners to design the transportation hub. Larger design firms such as Gensler or The Rockwell Group would typically be hired to work on these project types as they employ a diverse group of architects and designers who work collaboratively. BDNY and Hospitality BDNY is a great place for inspiration, networking opportunities, and to meet new people. The vendors at BDNY are different than those normally found at High Point Market or Vegas Market. At BDNY vendors are primarily hospitality focused and typically work with larger minimal orders. Phyllis recommends all designers should attend BDNY even if they don't work in the hospitality market, as you never know when you might get a call to work on your first hospitality project. It's good to educate yourself on the nuances of different project types. Often times, companies want to hire an up and coming designer to provide their unique point of view to projects. Working on smaller boutique hotels is a great way to enter the hospitality sector as you have the opportunity to receive more design directive because of the smaller scale. If you are targeting this market it's a good idea to bring samples of your portfolio to provide to people you wish to connect with. Also, make a list of who you want to meet and think about who you know that knows these people. This is a great first step to achieving your end goal and grow your contact list.
It is very helpful to partner with a fellow designer that may have more experience in areas other than your normal expertise. Phyllis partnered with another designer when working on the proposal for the Ritz Carlton Residences. Although she had a wealth of experience in residential she needed the additional professional knowledge from the hospitality sector. Not only did they both learn from each other, but the partnership helped mitigate liability forsomething you don't know much about. Don't think of a partnership as a loss of money but as exchanging money for experience. Once you have experience you can charge more on subsequent projects.
To connect with Phyllis send her an email at info@harbingerdesignconsultanting.com.You can also purchase her book -The Interior Design Productivity Toolbox on Wiley, Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Phyllis is also available for coaching, consulting and speaking engagements. Bill Darcy- NKBA at KBIS
NKBA - Overview Bill Darcy is the CEO of NKBA, the only trade organization dedicated exclusively to the kitchen and bath industry. Founded on the principle of people gathering and learn...
Industry: Trade Shows! Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Phyllis Harbinger of Design Concepts Interiors and Harbinger Design Consulting, live from the media lounge at BDNY. Phyllis discusses the current need for designers to collaborate across different sectors and the positive benefits of attending as many trade shows as possible. Then stay tuned for Nick’s interview with Bill Darcy, CEO of NKBA on what to expect at the KBIS trade show in January. Phyllis Harbinger at BDNY Collaborative Design Phyllis Harbinger is mostly a residential designer but looks to hospitality design for inspiration. The lines between residential and commercial design are blurring and now more than ever designers need to be aware of the current design trends. One of the ways this is evident is in mixed-use developments. Mixed-use developments combine retail, apartments, hotels, restaurants and possibly a school, movie theater or hospital with dwelling spaces to make a full-scale community within a bigger universe. Designers need to function more collaboratively to react to this shifting trend. Hudson Yards is the newest design community encompassing this change. Located across the street from BDNY, Hudson Yard includes parks, retail spaces, restaurants, and condos within the confines of one community. A project such as this would employ landscape architects designing the terrain, graphic designers producing signage graphics, artists/sculptors, and city planners to design the transportation hub. Larger design firms such as Gensler or The Rockwell Group would typically be hired to work on these project types as they employ a diverse group of architects and designers who work collaboratively. BDNY and Hospitality BDNY is a great place for inspiration, networking opportunities, and to meet new people. The vendors at BDNY are different than those normally found at High Point Market or Vegas Market. At BDNY vendors are primarily hospitality focused and typically work with larger minimal orders. Phyllis recommends all designers should attend BDNY even if they don't work in the hospitality market, as you never know when you might get a call to work on your first hospitality project. It's good to educate yourself on the nuances of different project types. Often times, companies want to hire an up and coming designer to provide their unique point of view to projects. Working on smaller boutique hotels is a great way to enter the hospitality sector as you have the opportunity to receive more design directive because of the smaller scale. If you are targeting this market it's a good idea to bring samples of your portfolio to provide to people you wish to connect with. Also, make a list of who you want to meet and think about who you know that knows these people. This is a great first step to achieving your end goal and grow your contact list.
It is very helpful to partner with a fellow designer that may have more experience in areas other than your normal expertise. Phyllis partnered with another designer when working on the proposal for the Ritz Carlton Residences. Although she had a wealth of experience in residential she needed the additional professional knowledge from the hospitality sector. Not only did they both learn from each other, but the partnership helped mitigate liability forsomething you don't know much about. Don't think of a partnership as a loss of money but as exchanging money for experience. Once you have experience you can charge more on subsequent projects.
To connect with Phyllis send her an email at info@harbingerdesignconsultanting.com.You can also purchase her book -The Interior Design Productivity Toolbox on Wiley, Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Phyllis is also available for coaching, consulting and speaking engagements. Bill Darcy- NKBA at KBIS
NKBA - Overview Bill Darcy is the CEO of NKBA, the only trade organization dedicated exclusively to the kitchen and bath industry. Founded on the principle of people gathering and learn...
Garrison Hullinger: We Meet Again Today in The Lounge, Nick catches up with Garrison Hullinger, whom he hasn’t spoken with since Episode 24, about two years ago. The two update each other on what’s been happening since then and Garrison talks about what has changed within his business. Getting to Know the Garrison Garrison is a fan of messenger bags, colloquially known as a “murse” or “man-purse.” He cannot travel without is iPad and loves it for its small size and easy mobility. When asked the infamous “Beer, wine, or cocktail” question, he claims to still prefer cocktails, though he has graduated from the dirty martini to the classic manhattan.
Garrison also recently visited Spain with Porcelanosa to visit their new factory. Highlights of the trip included incredible food and incredible connections made with incredible people who are also in the business of interior design. Where Are You Now?: The Business Today Two years ago, Garrison worked with a team of about sixteen people. Today, he works with twenty-four employees, of which the core team and ten seniors and leads remain. The focus of their designs have shifted from residential to multifamily-residential. It took many years for them to get their first project as they previously had no portfolio of multifamily designs, but Garrison and his business have experienced success ever since.
They work primarily on the interior of high-rise apartment buildings of two classes: Class A, which pertains to luxurious, new apartment buildings; and Class B, which are buildings that are aging and in need of remodeling. Challenges of Change
The shift of focus from residential to multifamily-residential has presented a handful of challenges to Garrison. First among them was learning how to present a project to and receive answers from a committee rather than an individual. Another was learning how to be firm with his vision of the designs throughout the entire process. He has learned that the best way to do this is to create a narrative of what the vision is, state it from the beginning, and stick to it until the end.
Garrison has also had to forgo pet projects but has learned to maintain a presence in all of the projects he and his employees undertake. He does this by making sure his teams meet his requirements ahead of time, essentially posing as their client. He meets with every team member and goes over projects with them individually, thereby keeping him deeply entrenched in the work that is going on. The Boss’ Burden… or is it? Just as people complain about there not being enough jobs, employers often complain about there not being enough employees. Garrison claims to not experience this problem, however. He believes that if the employer is honest about their needs and what will be expected of the employee, the right people will apply. He acknowledges that this has led to slower hires with his business, but not a shortage of applicants.
Another concern of many employers is the possibility of their newly-trained employees leaving and taking their clients with them. Garrison scoffs at such a thought and says he never even considers the possibility. By offering fair and competitive pay to employees along with great benefits, he believes his employees are content, if not happy to work for him. His philosophy is that if the employees are treated well, they will treat the employer well in return. As such, he never assigns schedules that he wouldn’t work himself.
The Value of Retail Experience Having formerly worked in retail operations, Garrison has carried his economic knowledge from that job into his interior design business. He calculates the most efficient way to spend time and money, whether it be adding more phone lines to his office or deciding on a paint color. This creates financial safety for his business which extends to his employees as well.
When managing vendors, he adheres to the rule of “you have to inspect what you expect.
Garrison Hullinger: We Meet Again Today in The Lounge, Nick catches up with Garrison Hullinger, whom he hasn’t spoken with since Episode 24, about two years ago. The two update each other on what’s been happening since then and Garrison talks about what has changed within his business. Getting to Know the Garrison Garrison is a fan of messenger bags, colloquially known as a “murse” or “man-purse.” He cannot travel without is iPad and loves it for its small size and easy mobility. When asked the infamous “Beer, wine, or cocktail” question, he claims to still prefer cocktails, though he has graduated from the dirty martini to the classic manhattan.
Garrison also recently visited Spain with Porcelanosa to visit their new factory. Highlights of the trip included incredible food and incredible connections made with incredible people who are also in the business of interior design. Where Are You Now?: The Business Today Two years ago, Garrison worked with a team of about sixteen people. Today, he works with twenty-four employees, of which the core team and ten seniors and leads remain. The focus of their designs have shifted from residential to multifamily-residential. It took many years for them to get their first project as they previously had no portfolio of multifamily designs, but Garrison and his business have experienced success ever since.
They work primarily on the interior of high-rise apartment buildings of two classes: Class A, which pertains to luxurious, new apartment buildings; and Class B, which are buildings that are aging and in need of remodeling. Challenges of Change
The shift of focus from residential to multifamily-residential has presented a handful of challenges to Garrison. First among them was learning how to present a project to and receive answers from a committee rather than an individual. Another was learning how to be firm with his vision of the designs throughout the entire process. He has learned that the best way to do this is to create a narrative of what the vision is, state it from the beginning, and stick to it until the end.
Garrison has also had to forgo pet projects but has learned to maintain a presence in all of the projects he and his employees undertake. He does this by making sure his teams meet his requirements ahead of time, essentially posing as their client. He meets with every team member and goes over projects with them individually, thereby keeping him deeply entrenched in the work that is going on. The Boss’ Burden… or is it? Just as people complain about there not being enough jobs, employers often complain about there not being enough employees. Garrison claims to not experience this problem, however. He believes that if the employer is honest about their needs and what will be expected of the employee, the right people will apply. He acknowledges that this has led to slower hires with his business, but not a shortage of applicants.
Another concern of many employers is the possibility of their newly-trained employees leaving and taking their clients with them. Garrison scoffs at such a thought and says he never even considers the possibility. By offering fair and competitive pay to employees along with great benefits, he believes his employees are content, if not happy to work for him. His philosophy is that if the employees are treated well, they will treat the employer well in return. As such, he never assigns schedules that he wouldn’t work himself.
The Value of Retail Experience Having formerly worked in retail operations, Garrison has carried his economic knowledge from that job into his interior design business. He calculates the most efficient way to spend time and money, whether it be adding more phone lines to his office or deciding on a paint color. This creates financial safety for his business which extends to his employees as well.
When managing vendors, he adheres to the rule of “you have to inspect what you expect.
Kajsa Krause and Tracey Sawyer: International Hospitality Design Today in The Lounge, Nick chats Veronika Miller, the founder and CEO of Modenus and Official Media Partner with KBIS. Veronika will discuss her collaboration with KBIS and the line-up of events at KBIS 2018. Then stayed tuned for Nick’s conversation with Kajsa Krause and Tracey Sawyer of Krause Sawyer at the Porcelanosa showroom in NYC. The duo will discuss their partnership, their love of travel, and how they created their niche in the hospitality sector.
About Modenus
Veronika Miller is the founder and editor inchief of Modenus, a comprehensive digital resource for design professionals and design enthusiasts. Modenus began in 2009 and added a social media component known as the Blog Tour in 2011. The goal of the Blog Tour is to bring both people and brands together. The following year KBIS approached Modenus to help them connect with the design community, to build a bond and to reach design professionals who were not necessarily engaged in the kitchen and bath industry. After this initial contact Modenus became an official media partner with KBIS. This January will mark their 6th Blog Tour together.
The Blog Tour has been hugely successful for Modenus. They have a community of about 250 bloggers who they reach out to for recommendations on what/who is new and interesting. These nominees are then narrowed down and the final blog tour participants are selected. In addition to the Blog Tour, each year Modernus compiles a Top 100 Influencers list, which again, is entirely community driven. Reaching out to the design community provides an endless resource for continued networking and education.
KBIS and Modenus KBIS 2018 will kick off with a networking event entitled Champagne and Cupcakes on Tuesday, January 9th from 9:30-10:30 am. Hosted by Modenus, this invitation-only event will feature media influencers, designers, and media to celebrate the beginning of KBIS. Healthy cupcakes and a little bit of bubbly will be on the menu to honor their sponsor, Signature Kitchen, a new luxury division of LG, whose mission is focused on living well and living in a healthy way. There will also be giveaways, speakers and an introduction by Brian Pagel, VP of Kitchen and Bath division at Emerald Expositions.
There will be many design events, speakers, and educational opportunities at KBIS. Jaime Derringer from Design Milk will be teaming up with Modenus at the lounge cafe, Design milk x Modenus Talk lounge. Mirroring the format at Wanted Design in NY, the lounge cafe will provide a relaxed atmosphere with refreshments, phone charging stations and an opportunity for everyone in the room to talk and share their thoughts. The event will also be streamed on Facebook live. Claire Jefford will also be hosting an event with several design influences that will cover the topics of Technology and How It Relates To Design and Social Media Do’s and Don'ts. This Old House will cover topics on skilled labor global design and working remotely and The Good Home Redux will cover the impact of design on wellness and sustainability. Navigating KBIS For those new to KBIS, the large scale of the show can be overwhelming. Bring comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk. The dress code is business casual, most attendees wear jeans and polo shirts, with a few designers choosing to dress up. It is about one mile between halls. Veronika recommends starting at West Hall, which is the main area that houses the bigger brands and follows a more traditional format. Plan on spending an entire day there. On a separate day, focus on the North and South Halls, where the stage, discovery district, which houses the smaller up and coming brands, the Modenus lounge and an outdoor area with catering can be found. Plan about 15-20min to get to where you are going. On Wednesday, be on the lookout for Design Bites. Similar to speed dating, Design Bites give exhibitors an opportunity to d...
Kajsa Krause and Tracey Sawyer: International Hospitality Design Today in The Lounge, Nick chats Veronika Miller, the founder and CEO of Modenus and Official Media Partner with KBIS. Veronika will discuss her collaboration with KBIS and the line-up of events at KBIS 2018. Then stayed tuned for Nick’s conversation with Kajsa Krause and Tracey Sawyer of Krause Sawyer at the Porcelanosa showroom in NYC. The duo will discuss their partnership, their love of travel, and how they created their niche in the hospitality sector.
About Modenus
Veronika Miller is the founder and editor inchief of Modenus, a comprehensive digital resource for design professionals and design enthusiasts. Modenus began in 2009 and added a social media component known as the Blog Tour in 2011. The goal of the Blog Tour is to bring both people and brands together. The following year KBIS approached Modenus to help them connect with the design community, to build a bond and to reach design professionals who were not necessarily engaged in the kitchen and bath industry. After this initial contact Modenus became an official media partner with KBIS. This January will mark their 6th Blog Tour together.
The Blog Tour has been hugely successful for Modenus. They have a community of about 250 bloggers who they reach out to for recommendations on what/who is new and interesting. These nominees are then narrowed down and the final blog tour participants are selected. In addition to the Blog Tour, each year Modernus compiles a Top 100 Influencers list, which again, is entirely community driven. Reaching out to the design community provides an endless resource for continued networking and education.
KBIS and Modenus KBIS 2018 will kick off with a networking event entitled Champagne and Cupcakes on Tuesday, January 9th from 9:30-10:30 am. Hosted by Modenus, this invitation-only event will feature media influencers, designers, and media to celebrate the beginning of KBIS. Healthy cupcakes and a little bit of bubbly will be on the menu to honor their sponsor, Signature Kitchen, a new luxury division of LG, whose mission is focused on living well and living in a healthy way. There will also be giveaways, speakers and an introduction by Brian Pagel, VP of Kitchen and Bath division at Emerald Expositions.
There will be many design events, speakers, and educational opportunities at KBIS. Jaime Derringer from Design Milk will be teaming up with Modenus at the lounge cafe, Design milk x Modenus Talk lounge. Mirroring the format at Wanted Design in NY, the lounge cafe will provide a relaxed atmosphere with refreshments, phone charging stations and an opportunity for everyone in the room to talk and share their thoughts. The event will also be streamed on Facebook live. Claire Jefford will also be hosting an event with several design influences that will cover the topics of Technology and How It Relates To Design and Social Media Do’s and Don'ts. This Old House will cover topics on skilled labor global design and working remotely and The Good Home Redux will cover the impact of design on wellness and sustainability. Navigating KBIS For those new to KBIS, the large scale of the show can be overwhelming. Bring comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk. The dress code is business casual, most attendees wear jeans and polo shirts, with a few designers choosing to dress up. It is about one mile between halls. Veronika recommends starting at West Hall, which is the main area that houses the bigger brands and follows a more traditional format. Plan on spending an entire day there. On a separate day, focus on the North and South Halls, where the stage, discovery district, which houses the smaller up and coming brands, the Modenus lounge and an outdoor area with catering can be found. Plan about 15-20min to get to where you are going. On Wednesday, be on the lookout for Design Bites. Similar to speed dating, Design Bites give exhibitors an opportunity to d...
Matthew Ferrarini: The Next Wave of Kitchen Design Today in The Lounge, Nick talks shop with Matthew Ferrarini of Ferrarini & Co, Kitchen and Bath Designer. Matthew works out of Philadelphia, but today Nick is catching up with him on location for a client in Miami. Turns out Matthew has interior design in his blood as the son of an interior designer mom and a contractor for a dad. Find out more, in this episode of the Chaise Lounge.
Breaking the Ice Nick opens up about a favorite topic for a lot of guys…automobiles. Matthew is a fan of Tesla as an everyday vehicle and Ferrari for a higher end wow-factor. When asked about recent movies, Matthew shared that he recently got the chance to watch the movie Ma Ma with Penelope Cruz. Perfect segue to Nick’s recent trip to Spain with Porcelanosa. Turns out Matthew been to Barcelona a few times and is also a big fan of Spain’s rich heritage, culture, friendliness and just overall coolness.
Getting Into the Business Matthew attended Temple University (go Owls!) for a pre-law degree. Temple is well known for their law school, but somehow Matt just couldn’t shake the calling of design. While at school, he also pursued a certificate in interior design and construction management. He joined forces with his Mom and worked in the family business while still attending school. Upon graduation, he started his own company focusing on kitchen and bath with mom, Donna, as a partner. From Humble Beginnings to Starting an Empire Starting out was rough; very humble beginnings. Having lost substantial assets upon the split of his parents, Matthew made a grassroots effort to grow his business. Local marketing with flyers and an open mind is how Ferrarini & Co got off the ground. In the beginning, no project was too small and the business took pride in the work they did and the ensuing referrals. Good work and excellent customer service got them from a home-based business to a design office and showroom staffed with 5 people that accept clients nationwide. What it Takes Matthew credits his success with clients to the broader view that he takes when designing his kitchen and baths. He doesn’t just focus solely on the space that he is tasked to redesign, but incorporates all adjacent areas to ensure a seamless flow. His knack for design really comes to light in space planning and problem-solving. Here is where his passions shine. He has made it a point to stay within his strengths and delegate the things he isn’t so passionate about to team members that are. Accolades and the Way of the Millennial Matthew Ferrarini’s point of view has earned him the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA) ’30 under 30’ award. He believes in being progressive in his business and for a Millennial, that spells ‘tech’ heavy. Ivy is his software of choice to keep his business running smoothly. He transitioned from using a program that was more builder/construction directed and hasn’t looked back. He also uses Dropbox for file storage and Houzz as an avenue to work with clients using their lookbook feature. What seals the deal for a lot of his clients, is the use of photo-realistic renderings of what the space will look like prior to even lifting a hammer. As a value-added feature today, Nick is predicting that this will become standard in the coming years and you won’t be able to call yourself a designer without it.
Matthew believes in spending the time to find out as much about a client and their lifestyle as possible and creating one show-stopping design to present to them. Now that the business has grown, the marketing approach has certainly changed from the local flyer days. Ferrarini credits his storefront, referrals, and digital marketing through the website and online presence as the avenues that have gotten his name out there. His website is user-friendly, visually captivating and has something for every client. Even those that may not be ready to pull the trigger on a remodel just yet,
Matthew Ferrarini: The Next Wave of Kitchen Design Today in The Lounge, Nick talks shop with Matthew Ferrarini of Ferrarini & Co, Kitchen and Bath Designer. Matthew works out of Philadelphia, but today Nick is catching up with him on location for a client in Miami. Turns out Matthew has interior design in his blood as the son of an interior designer mom and a contractor for a dad. Find out more, in this episode of the Chaise Lounge.
Breaking the Ice Nick opens up about a favorite topic for a lot of guys…automobiles. Matthew is a fan of Tesla as an everyday vehicle and Ferrari for a higher end wow-factor. When asked about recent movies, Matthew shared that he recently got the chance to watch the movie Ma Ma with Penelope Cruz. Perfect segue to Nick’s recent trip to Spain with Porcelanosa. Turns out Matthew been to Barcelona a few times and is also a big fan of Spain’s rich heritage, culture, friendliness and just overall coolness.
Getting Into the Business Matthew attended Temple University (go Owls!) for a pre-law degree. Temple is well known for their law school, but somehow Matt just couldn’t shake the calling of design. While at school, he also pursued a certificate in interior design and construction management. He joined forces with his Mom and worked in the family business while still attending school. Upon graduation, he started his own company focusing on kitchen and bath with mom, Donna, as a partner. From Humble Beginnings to Starting an Empire Starting out was rough; very humble beginnings. Having lost substantial assets upon the split of his parents, Matthew made a grassroots effort to grow his business. Local marketing with flyers and an open mind is how Ferrarini & Co got off the ground. In the beginning, no project was too small and the business took pride in the work they did and the ensuing referrals. Good work and excellent customer service got them from a home-based business to a design office and showroom staffed with 5 people that accept clients nationwide. What it Takes Matthew credits his success with clients to the broader view that he takes when designing his kitchen and baths. He doesn’t just focus solely on the space that he is tasked to redesign, but incorporates all adjacent areas to ensure a seamless flow. His knack for design really comes to light in space planning and problem-solving. Here is where his passions shine. He has made it a point to stay within his strengths and delegate the things he isn’t so passionate about to team members that are. Accolades and the Way of the Millennial Matthew Ferrarini’s point of view has earned him the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA) ’30 under 30’ award. He believes in being progressive in his business and for a Millennial, that spells ‘tech’ heavy. Ivy is his software of choice to keep his business running smoothly. He transitioned from using a program that was more builder/construction directed and hasn’t looked back. He also uses Dropbox for file storage and Houzz as an avenue to work with clients using their lookbook feature. What seals the deal for a lot of his clients, is the use of photo-realistic renderings of what the space will look like prior to even lifting a hammer. As a value-added feature today, Nick is predicting that this will become standard in the coming years and you won’t be able to call yourself a designer without it.
Matthew believes in spending the time to find out as much about a client and their lifestyle as possible and creating one show-stopping design to present to them. Now that the business has grown, the marketing approach has certainly changed from the local flyer days. Ferrarini credits his storefront, referrals, and digital marketing through the website and online presence as the avenues that have gotten his name out there. His website is user-friendly, visually captivating and has something for every client. Even those that may not be ready to pull the trigger on a remodel just yet,
(Click the photo for a before and after!) Bauer Clifton: Big Business in a Small Town Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Jeremy Bauer and Jason Clifton of Bauer Clifton from Juneau, Alaska. They discuss how Bauer Clifton got its start, the challenges of establishing a design firm in such a remote area, what they love about it, and where they are going in the future. Getting to know Jeremy Bauer Jeremy had been interested in design since childhood. He would build forts and work with his grandpa in his woodshop, and during school he decided to make a career out of his passion. He earned a double major in Engineering and Architecture at Kansas State University and then pursued jewelry for ten years after graduation. After that, he decided interior design was where he wanted to be.
The house he and Jason share is from the 1960s with a mid-century modern design that they liked and decided to keep. They remodeled the lower level of the house and upgraded some of the materials, however. Jeremy would still like to renovate the tower room as it is too simplistic and calling for a splash of style. Getting to know Jason Clifton Jason’s favorite place to shop is Ted Baker because of their combinations and variety of color. While he loves shoes, lapel pins, and eyeglasses, his favorite fashion accessory is socks. Jason sees bold, brightly patterned socks as a great way to add color to any outfit.
He found himself in Alaska after going on a family cruise there during a quarter-life crisis. The majesty of the northernmost United State took his breath away, so upon returning home to Indiana, he began planning his relocation. He moved to Alaska six months afterward.
Jeremy had moved there a few months prior and through a statewide network of friends, the two were introduced. After a few months, Jeremy and Jason connected over their shared agricultural, midwestern background as well as their love of design. Bauer Clifton Today Bauer Clifton not only works with design, but with homeowners, contractors, and the final placement of their designs. The office handles all the building materials and furnishings required for projects; something which has always been a part of the firm.
They developed a niche market in the design community after founding Bauer Clifton in 2007, where they were the first of their kind in Juneau, Alaska. When they realized they needed more options than what was available at the local lumberyards, they reached out to well-known brands around the world and opened their eyes to the potential Alaskan market. Thereafter they expanded Bauer Clifton into a firm and showroom. This was after disproving to large brands that there wasn’t enough of a market in Alaska and convincing others to adjust their minimum requirements to suit the low population in exchange for correct representations of their products. Bauer Clifton now caters to lodges in Yukon and British Columbia, Canada, as well as Seattle, Washington. They experience very little competition from other firms in Alaska and with what competition does exist, there is a respectable split between them.
Bauer Clifton’s designs primarily target kitchens and baths, but over the years have developed into full home remodeling. They replace many old materials with new ones and due to Jeremy’s background in architecture and Jason’s in design, they take a holistic approach to their work.
They generally work on twelve to eighteen projects at a time, which can be anything from room and paint consultations to remodeling a bath or home. The days between larger projects are used to work on smaller ones. They have other interior designers working with them as well and things are ever-changing. How to Become a Junior Designer for Bauer Clifton As with any job, previous experience from other jobs or internships is preferable. They usually look for college graduates who have worked at other firms before. They look for the applicant’s style, what inspires them,
(Click the photo for a before and after!) Bauer Clifton: Big Business in a Small Town Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Jeremy Bauer and Jason Clifton of Bauer Clifton from Juneau, Alaska. They discuss how Bauer Clifton got its start, the challenges of establishing a design firm in such a remote area, what they love about it, and where they are going in the future. Getting to know Jeremy Bauer Jeremy had been interested in design since childhood. He would build forts and work with his grandpa in his woodshop, and during school he decided to make a career out of his passion. He earned a double major in Engineering and Architecture at Kansas State University and then pursued jewelry for ten years after graduation. After that, he decided interior design was where he wanted to be.
The house he and Jason share is from the 1960s with a mid-century modern design that they liked and decided to keep. They remodeled the lower level of the house and upgraded some of the materials, however. Jeremy would still like to renovate the tower room as it is too simplistic and calling for a splash of style. Getting to know Jason Clifton Jason’s favorite place to shop is Ted Baker because of their combinations and variety of color. While he loves shoes, lapel pins, and eyeglasses, his favorite fashion accessory is socks. Jason sees bold, brightly patterned socks as a great way to add color to any outfit.
He found himself in Alaska after going on a family cruise there during a quarter-life crisis. The majesty of the northernmost United State took his breath away, so upon returning home to Indiana, he began planning his relocation. He moved to Alaska six months afterward.
Jeremy had moved there a few months prior and through a statewide network of friends, the two were introduced. After a few months, Jeremy and Jason connected over their shared agricultural, midwestern background as well as their love of design. Bauer Clifton Today Bauer Clifton not only works with design, but with homeowners, contractors, and the final placement of their designs. The office handles all the building materials and furnishings required for projects; something which has always been a part of the firm.
They developed a niche market in the design community after founding Bauer Clifton in 2007, where they were the first of their kind in Juneau, Alaska. When they realized they needed more options than what was available at the local lumberyards, they reached out to well-known brands around the world and opened their eyes to the potential Alaskan market. Thereafter they expanded Bauer Clifton into a firm and showroom. This was after disproving to large brands that there wasn’t enough of a market in Alaska and convincing others to adjust their minimum requirements to suit the low population in exchange for correct representations of their products. Bauer Clifton now caters to lodges in Yukon and British Columbia, Canada, as well as Seattle, Washington. They experience very little competition from other firms in Alaska and with what competition does exist, there is a respectable split between them.
Bauer Clifton’s designs primarily target kitchens and baths, but over the years have developed into full home remodeling. They replace many old materials with new ones and due to Jeremy’s background in architecture and Jason’s in design, they take a holistic approach to their work.
They generally work on twelve to eighteen projects at a time, which can be anything from room and paint consultations to remodeling a bath or home. The days between larger projects are used to work on smaller ones. They have other interior designers working with them as well and things are ever-changing. How to Become a Junior Designer for Bauer Clifton As with any job, previous experience from other jobs or internships is preferable. They usually look for college graduates who have worked at other firms before. They look for the applicant’s style, what inspires them,
(Click the picture for more info!) Hunter Kaiser + Randy Fiser Today in The Lounge, Nick interviews, Hunter Kaiser, owner of the interdisciplinary design firm, H K+C, followed by a chat with Randy Fisher, CEO of ASID. Learn about Hunter’s nonlinear journey to creating his own firm and his tips for growing and maintaining his business. Then stay tuned for updates on Randy and Nick’s collaboration at KBIS in January. The Early Years Hunter Kaiser enjoys a Saturday brunch, the local farmers market, and visits to the lake. As a child, he found himself often moving around. Then in high school, his parents built a home in New Hampshire and hired an interior designer. This was his first face to face exposure to interior design. Although he was interested in in the process, he wasn’t interested in pursuing design. Instead, he spent his first year in college taking science and math courses as a pre-med major. This all changed by his sophomore year when he transferred to Indiana University where he ultimately received his degree in Interior Design. After college Hunter worked at Grisworld, Heckle and Kelly, an architecture firm which has now been purchased by Nelson, and focused on corporate interiors in the financial sector. After working for GHK for 5 years, Hunter transitioned to a job in sales at Henrickson, an Allsteel dealer in Chicago, his hometown for the past 17 years. Upon leaving Henricken, Hunter spent an additional 5 years in furniture sales as an Architecture and Sales rep for Herman Miller. Then in 2011, with one client in the book, Hunter left Herman Miller to start his own company.
Although his path was somewhat nonlinear, Hunter credits his experience in furniture sales as the key to get him to where he is today. His career journey ultimately taught him how to run a business. At Henricksen, Hunter had the opportunity to be an entrepreneur but with the support of the company to back him up. Alternatively, at Herman Miller he learned how to cultivate relationships and how to quickly read an audience. He still utilizes these skills in the day to day operations of running his business. Starting The Firm When Hunter left Herman Miller in 2011, he walked straight into a design meeting for his new business. With a lean staff of 2, his company works both nationally and globally with clients in Australia, Paris and across the United States. Their main focus is restaurants, retail and residential, using a holistic design approach, graphics, branding, and client experience. In the beginning, the firm started out doing wedding events and designing store windows for clients. Working on weddings enabled his company to focus on lifestyle and experience. Hunter had control of everything from the look and feel to the floral arrangements. As the company expanded into retail and restaurants, they continue to maintain this holistic approach, curating the customer experience and focusing on the details.
(Click me!) Maintaining Growth Hunter attributes their continued growth to the layers of deep relationships they have built over the years. Reputation has been vital, as their design community is small. Not only is personal reputation important, but also the reputation of others within the design network. When a project is located in a city where the staff has never been, Hunter relies on his national network of designers to inquire about local contractors or installers, vendors and receiving warehouses for large deliveries. The strength of their reputation and consul provides him with trusted local contacts to successfully execute the project demands. He also credits speaking in front of people, networking, and social media to maintain a continual client base. Due to their continued growth and focus on a holistic design approach Hunter has rebranded his company from Hunter Kiser, LLC to HK+C. In looking back at the last 5 yrs of business, he realized the team wasn't just about him and wanted to celebrate all talents.
(Click the picture for more info!) Hunter Kaiser + Randy Fiser Today in The Lounge, Nick interviews, Hunter Kaiser, owner of the interdisciplinary design firm, H K+C, followed by a chat with Randy Fisher, CEO of ASID. Learn about Hunter’s nonlinear journey to creating his own firm and his tips for growing and maintaining his business. Then stay tuned for updates on Randy and Nick’s collaboration at KBIS in January. The Early Years Hunter Kaiser enjoys a Saturday brunch, the local farmers market, and visits to the lake. As a child, he found himself often moving around. Then in high school, his parents built a home in New Hampshire and hired an interior designer. This was his first face to face exposure to interior design. Although he was interested in in the process, he wasn’t interested in pursuing design. Instead, he spent his first year in college taking science and math courses as a pre-med major. This all changed by his sophomore year when he transferred to Indiana University where he ultimately received his degree in Interior Design. After college Hunter worked at Grisworld, Heckle and Kelly, an architecture firm which has now been purchased by Nelson, and focused on corporate interiors in the financial sector. After working for GHK for 5 years, Hunter transitioned to a job in sales at Henrickson, an Allsteel dealer in Chicago, his hometown for the past 17 years. Upon leaving Henricken, Hunter spent an additional 5 years in furniture sales as an Architecture and Sales rep for Herman Miller. Then in 2011, with one client in the book, Hunter left Herman Miller to start his own company.
Although his path was somewhat nonlinear, Hunter credits his experience in furniture sales as the key to get him to where he is today. His career journey ultimately taught him how to run a business. At Henricksen, Hunter had the opportunity to be an entrepreneur but with the support of the company to back him up. Alternatively, at Herman Miller he learned how to cultivate relationships and how to quickly read an audience. He still utilizes these skills in the day to day operations of running his business. Starting The Firm When Hunter left Herman Miller in 2011, he walked straight into a design meeting for his new business. With a lean staff of 2, his company works both nationally and globally with clients in Australia, Paris and across the United States. Their main focus is restaurants, retail and residential, using a holistic design approach, graphics, branding, and client experience. In the beginning, the firm started out doing wedding events and designing store windows for clients. Working on weddings enabled his company to focus on lifestyle and experience. Hunter had control of everything from the look and feel to the floral arrangements. As the company expanded into retail and restaurants, they continue to maintain this holistic approach, curating the customer experience and focusing on the details.
(Click me!) Maintaining Growth Hunter attributes their continued growth to the layers of deep relationships they have built over the years. Reputation has been vital, as their design community is small. Not only is personal reputation important, but also the reputation of others within the design network. When a project is located in a city where the staff has never been, Hunter relies on his national network of designers to inquire about local contractors or installers, vendors and receiving warehouses for large deliveries. The strength of their reputation and consul provides him with trusted local contacts to successfully execute the project demands. He also credits speaking in front of people, networking, and social media to maintain a continual client base. Due to their continued growth and focus on a holistic design approach Hunter has rebranded his company from Hunter Kiser, LLC to HK+C. In looking back at the last 5 yrs of business, he realized the team wasn't just about him and wanted to celebrate all talents.
(Click the photo for more info!) The Buckingham Effect Today in the Lounge, Nick speaks with Skip Sroka and London Walder, who both have a little something in common... Julia Buckingham! When Julia was on the show she mentioned one of her designers who went on to start her own firm. Later that day London messaged us to say she WAS that designer! So we knew we had to get London on the show! Skip is a friend and fellow designer of Julia’s who impacted her design career along the way.
London is from Wicker Park in Chicago. Her favorite movie is Captain Fantastic. Her favorite childhood memory is from when she was a gymnast. She would travel, stay in hotels, and hang out with her friends before meets and practices. London's favorite retail store to shop in is in anything vintage because the items are unique and not mass produced. "Beer, wine or cocktail, London?" BEER. All things beer, such as IPAs and the experience of going to breweries to try out new and different beers. How London got Started in Interior Design (Click either photo for more of London's work!)
London always had a creative mind and she feels like she’s been interested in interior design forever. As a young child, she would always redesign spaces in her mind. London attended Illinois State University for Interior and Environmental Design. She started out as a liberal arts student and then later applied to the interior design program. She had one internship her junior year doing price checks and organizing which helped her receive a great technical understanding of interior design. She says that school is so different from the real world. In school, you really learn the technical aspects of design such as using computer programs, learning how to finish a space, learning the safety of the materials, and learning how green materials are. Her very first studio design class was residential and then the rest of her classes focused mainly on commercial design. London enjoyed the fact that school focused on becoming a technical designer so that she could then go on to learn about the business side of interior design later.
When London graduated in 2010, there were no design positions available for her. She applied for about 200 jobs and then began working retail at Crate and Barrel. During her time there, London learned from all the designers that came into the store with their clients. She had a friend who knew someone in the lighting store and moved on to a job as a customer service rep for the company. This is where she first started learning more about interior design from a business perspective. London worked her way up to later become Showroom Manager. She says it was an awesome experience which she still applies to her business today. London also worked at a furnishing company and then received her first design job (other than small projects and freelance work) with Julia Buckingham.
"The Buckingham Effect" London says that working with Julia was an incredible learning experience. She loves Julia’s confidence and how she explains everything to her clients well. London helped to facilitate product development for Julia's line. She also worked as a designer and helped with the office flow. London says it was the perfect first design job. She tells us that Julia runs a tight ship and has high expectations from everyone who works with her. She loves that Julia is the full package for her clients. London worked with Julia for just over a year and also took another lead design position before she felt like she was at a crossroads in her career. The Business Today Today, London is working for herself. She is looking to hire an intern, open up a storefront, and get a team together. She still has a lot of research to do. Right now, London has about 10 clients in progress, a few projects she’s finishing up with, and some in the pipelines. She feels like she is in a good place. London does quite a bit of kitchen and baths due to referrals.
(Click the photo for more info!) The Buckingham Effect Today in the Lounge, Nick speaks with Skip Sroka and London Walder, who both have a little something in common... Julia Buckingham! When Julia was on the show she mentioned one of her designers who went on to start her own firm. Later that day London messaged us to say she WAS that designer! So we knew we had to get London on the show! Skip is a friend and fellow designer of Julia’s who impacted her design career along the way.
London is from Wicker Park in Chicago. Her favorite movie is Captain Fantastic. Her favorite childhood memory is from when she was a gymnast. She would travel, stay in hotels, and hang out with her friends before meets and practices. London's favorite retail store to shop in is in anything vintage because the items are unique and not mass produced. "Beer, wine or cocktail, London?" BEER. All things beer, such as IPAs and the experience of going to breweries to try out new and different beers. How London got Started in Interior Design (Click either photo for more of London's work!)
London always had a creative mind and she feels like she’s been interested in interior design forever. As a young child, she would always redesign spaces in her mind. London attended Illinois State University for Interior and Environmental Design. She started out as a liberal arts student and then later applied to the interior design program. She had one internship her junior year doing price checks and organizing which helped her receive a great technical understanding of interior design. She says that school is so different from the real world. In school, you really learn the technical aspects of design such as using computer programs, learning how to finish a space, learning the safety of the materials, and learning how green materials are. Her very first studio design class was residential and then the rest of her classes focused mainly on commercial design. London enjoyed the fact that school focused on becoming a technical designer so that she could then go on to learn about the business side of interior design later.
When London graduated in 2010, there were no design positions available for her. She applied for about 200 jobs and then began working retail at Crate and Barrel. During her time there, London learned from all the designers that came into the store with their clients. She had a friend who knew someone in the lighting store and moved on to a job as a customer service rep for the company. This is where she first started learning more about interior design from a business perspective. London worked her way up to later become Showroom Manager. She says it was an awesome experience which she still applies to her business today. London also worked at a furnishing company and then received her first design job (other than small projects and freelance work) with Julia Buckingham.
"The Buckingham Effect" London says that working with Julia was an incredible learning experience. She loves Julia’s confidence and how she explains everything to her clients well. London helped to facilitate product development for Julia's line. She also worked as a designer and helped with the office flow. London says it was the perfect first design job. She tells us that Julia runs a tight ship and has high expectations from everyone who works with her. She loves that Julia is the full package for her clients. London worked with Julia for just over a year and also took another lead design position before she felt like she was at a crossroads in her career. The Business Today Today, London is working for herself. She is looking to hire an intern, open up a storefront, and get a team together. She still has a lot of research to do. Right now, London has about 10 clients in progress, a few projects she’s finishing up with, and some in the pipelines. She feels like she is in a good place. London does quite a bit of kitchen and baths due to referrals.
Phyllis Harbinger + Charrisse Johnston: Oh the Places You'll Go Today in the lounge, Nick catches up with Phyllis Harbinger while he's just outside her soon-to-be new apartment in Miami. Nick is in town for the grand opening of the new Porcelanosa Miami showroom. He also has the pleasure of interviewing Charrisse Johnston, past Chair of ASID National Board of Directors and Interior Design Practice Leader at Steinberg. What’s So Great About Miami? Nick asks Phyllis why she chose to Miami and her first answer is simple: She doesn’t like the cold. Additionally, she had always liked Florida but was never sure about living there. When her sister took Phyllis on a trip to Miami as part of a birthday celebration, she found herself falling in love with the city. The culture was intoxicating with its rich diversity and vibrant energy; something she says helps keep her young. Not just that, but Phyllis loves speaking Spanish, which Miami enables her to do a lot of. She compares the culture of Miami to that of New York but with more cleanliness and greater energy. The Miami Renaissance Nick asks Phyllis to describe what’s happening in the design scene of Miami. She tells him that it’s ever-changing with new showrooms, restaurants, hotels, and all sorts of things going up on a weekly basis. The city is going through a renaissance period where a lot of old designs are being integrated with new ones and Phyllis invites anyone interested in seeing great design to visit Miami for that reason. Plus, Art Basel is now being held in Miami from December 7-10, along with ICFF which was held in October. The Art Deco Festival will also be happening in South Beach, Florida. With so many things going on, there’s never a dull moment in Miami.
When Phyllis closes on her new apartment, she plans on renting it out from May to October to accommodate the influx Miami sees of South Africans vacationing there for their winter. This will not be the first time Phyllis has rented out a property to travelers; she sees it as a fun challenge because it requires her to make the space something she can fully enjoy along with her renters.
As Phyllis says her goodbyes, she reminds listeners to visit her on her website if they would like to use her consulting services and learn more about her. Getting to Know Charrisse Johnston Charrisse values functionality over style when it comes to her personal fashion, but if she were to choose a favorite accessory, it would be her handbag she always receives compliments on. Charrisse and her siblings are first-generation Americans from Chinese-American parents and that Chinese was her first language. Since her parents never used profanities in the household, she and her two brothers and one sister would make up nonsense profanities in Chinese and tattle on each other, only to be met with confusion from her mother and father. Charrisse’s favorite movie is Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, though she forgets the name at first. Charrisse notes how in today’s society, “you feel like you’re not worthy unless you’re going one-million miles-per-hour all the time,” which isn’t healthy. She argues that while we as a culture generally recognize this, more people need to actually take and appreciate time for themselves. Charrisse talks about how in L.A., professionals who don’t feel the need to dress up and aren’t required to go into the office every day are often the most successful. As such, we shouldn’t feel too guilty for giving ourselves a break.
From Doctor to Designer: Charrisse's Journey to Interior Design As the oldest of four siblings in a Chinese-American family, Charrisse was groomed to be a doctor. She attended John Hopkins University and majored in biology with the intent to apply for medical school after graduation. During her time at the university, however, she learned that she was more interested in knowing what made people “tick” both physically and mentally. She didn’t like seeing people in pain either which ma...
Phyllis Harbinger + Charrisse Johnston: Oh the Places You'll Go Today in the lounge, Nick catches up with Phyllis Harbinger while he's just outside her soon-to-be new apartment in Miami. Nick is in town for the grand opening of the new Porcelanosa Miami showroom. He also has the pleasure of interviewing Charrisse Johnston, past Chair of ASID National Board of Directors and Interior Design Practice Leader at Steinberg. What’s So Great About Miami? Nick asks Phyllis why she chose to Miami and her first answer is simple: She doesn’t like the cold. Additionally, she had always liked Florida but was never sure about living there. When her sister took Phyllis on a trip to Miami as part of a birthday celebration, she found herself falling in love with the city. The culture was intoxicating with its rich diversity and vibrant energy; something she says helps keep her young. Not just that, but Phyllis loves speaking Spanish, which Miami enables her to do a lot of. She compares the culture of Miami to that of New York but with more cleanliness and greater energy. The Miami Renaissance Nick asks Phyllis to describe what’s happening in the design scene of Miami. She tells him that it’s ever-changing with new showrooms, restaurants, hotels, and all sorts of things going up on a weekly basis. The city is going through a renaissance period where a lot of old designs are being integrated with new ones and Phyllis invites anyone interested in seeing great design to visit Miami for that reason. Plus, Art Basel is now being held in Miami from December 7-10, along with ICFF which was held in October. The Art Deco Festival will also be happening in South Beach, Florida. With so many things going on, there’s never a dull moment in Miami.
When Phyllis closes on her new apartment, she plans on renting it out from May to October to accommodate the influx Miami sees of South Africans vacationing there for their winter. This will not be the first time Phyllis has rented out a property to travelers; she sees it as a fun challenge because it requires her to make the space something she can fully enjoy along with her renters.
As Phyllis says her goodbyes, she reminds listeners to visit her on her website if they would like to use her consulting services and learn more about her. Getting to Know Charrisse Johnston Charrisse values functionality over style when it comes to her personal fashion, but if she were to choose a favorite accessory, it would be her handbag she always receives compliments on. Charrisse and her siblings are first-generation Americans from Chinese-American parents and that Chinese was her first language. Since her parents never used profanities in the household, she and her two brothers and one sister would make up nonsense profanities in Chinese and tattle on each other, only to be met with confusion from her mother and father. Charrisse’s favorite movie is Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, though she forgets the name at first. Charrisse notes how in today’s society, “you feel like you’re not worthy unless you’re going one-million miles-per-hour all the time,” which isn’t healthy. She argues that while we as a culture generally recognize this, more people need to actually take and appreciate time for themselves. Charrisse talks about how in L.A., professionals who don’t feel the need to dress up and aren’t required to go into the office every day are often the most successful. As such, we shouldn’t feel too guilty for giving ourselves a break.
From Doctor to Designer: Charrisse's Journey to Interior Design As the oldest of four siblings in a Chinese-American family, Charrisse was groomed to be a doctor. She attended John Hopkins University and majored in biology with the intent to apply for medical school after graduation. During her time at the university, however, she learned that she was more interested in knowing what made people “tick” both physically and mentally. She didn’t like seeing people in pain either which ma...
Photo source: Who's Who HPMKT High Point Market: Alexander Julian Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Alexander Julian, fashion and furniture designer, at High Point Market. Alexander talks about where he found his start, and what he’s learned in his journey to success. Nick went live on Facebook with Alexander Julian at the Universal showroom. Watch here! Getting to Know Alexander Alexander has an affinity for older films, so while the most recently made movie he saw was “Hidden Figures,” the last movie he watched and enjoyed was a 1938 rom-com called “Bringing Up Baby.” When he’s not reading emails, he’s reading the works of P.G. Wodehouse. Alexander’s favorite piece of technology is the iPhone for all the work it enables him to do. The last piece of furniture he added to his house was a bowtie table he designed and produced with Jonathan Charles. His own designs are not the only that festoon his home, however; he has many wonderful antiques as well. His wife has worked with antiques for years and he considers her to be his mentor on them.
As the bowtie table might suggest, Alexander’s favorite fashion accessory is the tie. He claims that they are the only piece of men’s apparel that has a great deal of latitude and room for self-expression. How Alexander Got His Start Alexander grew up in the clothing store his parents’ opened in 1942 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. His first toy was a swatchbook and he would take naps under the clothes. The first shirt he designed was at the age of twelve after the one he was wearing was torn during a pickup football fight. It was a blue shirt and when he took it to his father’s tailor to be mended, he requested for it to have a yellow collar. When he wore it to school the next day, the most popular girl at school asked him to talk about it, and thus his career in fashion design was born.
The first jacket he designed was when he was fifteen and his first store was opened after he turned twenty-one. Alexander ghosted his first collection at age twenty-three and then he moved to New York at age twenty-six. He won the Coty Award with his second nomination and became the youngest member of the Fashion Hall of Fame when he was thirty-three. After receiving the Industry’s Career Achievement Award at age forty, he decided it was time to move on to designing furniture. It only took him ten years to finally get his foot in the door with Universal Furniture.
The Business Today Today, Alexander still designs fashion and sells his products in brick-and-mortar stores. Most of his products are sold at boutiques in other stores, though he has recently re-opened 300 of his own stores in Japan and Italy. His most expensive, top-line brand is Alexander Julian and his mass-produced, less expensive line is Colours.
As for his furniture, he only works on one design at a time. Networking is a large part of his career because, without the right relationships, Alexander claims, his brand would not exist. While he does value the relationships he makes through work, he values the customer even more!
In addition to furniture and fashion, Alexander has also done vinting. He was a vintner for three years and now has plans to produce vodka. If given the opportunity, he would also like to design cars.
Alexander’s Reflections Alexander says that if anyone wants to excel in any creative field, they should first learn to recognize the difference between ordinary and exceptional. He claims that knowing that difference is the best way to add depth and meaning to one’s work. Along that same vein, he believes that the most important part of someone’s personality is their taste. When doing interior design, he advises that you be in touch with what makes YOU excited to wake up in the morning and feel like the best version of yourself.
Despite his enormous successes, Alexander notes what he considers to be his greatest disappointment: His inability to paint. He wanted to be an artist,
Photo source: Who's Who HPMKT High Point Market: Alexander Julian Today in The Lounge, Nick chats with Alexander Julian, fashion and furniture designer, at High Point Market. Alexander talks about where he found his start, and what he’s learned in his journey to success. Nick went live on Facebook with Alexander Julian at the Universal showroom. Watch here! Getting to Know Alexander Alexander has an affinity for older films, so while the most recently made movie he saw was “Hidden Figures,” the last movie he watched and enjoyed was a 1938 rom-com called “Bringing Up Baby.” When he’s not reading emails, he’s reading the works of P.G. Wodehouse. Alexander’s favorite piece of technology is the iPhone for all the work it enables him to do. The last piece of furniture he added to his house was a bowtie table he designed and produced with Jonathan Charles. His own designs are not the only that festoon his home, however; he has many wonderful antiques as well. His wife has worked with antiques for years and he considers her to be his mentor on them.
As the bowtie table might suggest, Alexander’s favorite fashion accessory is the tie. He claims that they are the only piece of men’s apparel that has a great deal of latitude and room for self-expression. How Alexander Got His Start Alexander grew up in the clothing store his parents’ opened in 1942 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. His first toy was a swatchbook and he would take naps under the clothes. The first shirt he designed was at the age of twelve after the one he was wearing was torn during a pickup football fight. It was a blue shirt and when he took it to his father’s tailor to be mended, he requested for it to have a yellow collar. When he wore it to school the next day, the most popular girl at school asked him to talk about it, and thus his career in fashion design was born.
The first jacket he designed was when he was fifteen and his first store was opened after he turned twenty-one. Alexander ghosted his first collection at age twenty-three and then he moved to New York at age twenty-six. He won the Coty Award with his second nomination and became the youngest member of the Fashion Hall of Fame when he was thirty-three. After receiving the Industry’s Career Achievement Award at age forty, he decided it was time to move on to designing furniture. It only took him ten years to finally get his foot in the door with Universal Furniture.
The Business Today Today, Alexander still designs fashion and sells his products in brick-and-mortar stores. Most of his products are sold at boutiques in other stores, though he has recently re-opened 300 of his own stores in Japan and Italy. His most expensive, top-line brand is Alexander Julian and his mass-produced, less expensive line is Colours.
As for his furniture, he only works on one design at a time. Networking is a large part of his career because, without the right relationships, Alexander claims, his brand would not exist. While he does value the relationships he makes through work, he values the customer even more!
In addition to furniture and fashion, Alexander has also done vinting. He was a vintner for three years and now has plans to produce vodka. If given the opportunity, he would also like to design cars.
Alexander’s Reflections Alexander says that if anyone wants to excel in any creative field, they should first learn to recognize the difference between ordinary and exceptional. He claims that knowing that difference is the best way to add depth and meaning to one’s work. Along that same vein, he believes that the most important part of someone’s personality is their taste. When doing interior design, he advises that you be in touch with what makes YOU excited to wake up in the morning and feel like the best version of yourself.
Despite his enormous successes, Alexander notes what he considers to be his greatest disappointment: His inability to paint. He wanted to be an artist,
High Point Market: Passion Sucks. It's All About the Money! Today in the Lounge, we have a live recording of Nick's panel "Passion Sucks. It’s all about the Money!" at Universal Furniture's event room during High Point Market. Nick hosted this panel with superstars Kelli Ellis, Chad James, Steven Favreau, and Nina Magon. Also on the episode, Nick talks with Jill Erwin of Jill Erwin Interiors. Jill talks about her how she transitioned from fashion into interior design, how she runs her business and all about her killer marketing tactics. Passion Sucks. It's All About the Money! All of us in the interior design industry are passionate about interior design, but that doesn’t mean all of us are successful. Passion can only take us so far, so what differentiates those that are successful, from those that are trying to become successful? Nick talks to industry-leading design firms from across the country, to learn how they’ve broken out of mediocre to build stand-out design firms. Learn not only how to get press coverage but also how to make REAL dollars. Panel Summary Kelli Ellis is an interior designer, licensing LLC, author, business coach and TV personality. While design is her passion, it’s also her business. Nina Magon was an economics and finance major turned interior design. She was on American Dream Builders with Nate Berkus in 2013 as a semi-finalist. Nina just completed her project on 51fifteen Cuisine and Cocktails with Sax Fifth Avenue in Houston, Texas and does both residential and commercial design. Before Steven Favreau became an interior designer, he was a professional dancer and singer. Based out of Boston, Steven is opening up the Favreau’s Factory, which is an 11,000 square foot think tank for himself, architects, high tech web people and photographers. It will launch January of 2018. Chad James is based out of Nashville, Tennessee but he has a plethora of clients all over the World including in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Cayman Islands. He originally studied Architecture at Auburn University and five years into his career he decided to start designing the interiors his buildings. His company does Architecture Consulting and 75% of their projects are residential, the rest are Commercial.
Steven relays that one of the things you learn in becoming a successful designer is to always be looking for clients with large budgets. If you are able to do what you'd like without limitation, you will be better at your job and be able to show this off. For Steven, it’s all about how you present yourself to clients. If he is put up against other designers for a job, he always makes the client feel comfortable that’s he is the right choice because he is going to get it done right. Steven believes social media is where it’s at but, networking, such as going High Point, is also important.
Nina has been called the number one contemporary designer in Texas. To make her firm stand out, she has a no-nonsense policy. This policy means that they don’t fool around with clients or their money and they deliver the best customer service. She only hires people who believe in her brand and who are modern and forward thinking. Four staff members out of her 12-person firm were educated in Columbia. They are able to bring new and innovative ideas to her company which help set her apart. Nina receives new clients by making all her previous clients very happy. Word of mouth goes a long way. For every project, Nina shoots to make 35%. Her firm charges $250 an hour with $20,000 minimum. Nina is involved in every aspect of the project and everyone she works with is an extension of herself. Nina prefers working on full houses and high profile projects which help get her name out there.
The first time Kelli started to feel successful in her career was when she started getting knocked off. She doesn’t see this as a negative because she broadcasts so much of what she does and has a “look at me” kind of company,
High Point Market: Passion Sucks. It's All About the Money! Today in the Lounge, we have a live recording of Nick's panel "Passion Sucks. It’s all about the Money!" at Universal Furniture's event room during High Point Market. Nick hosted this panel with superstars Kelli Ellis, Chad James, Steven Favreau, and Nina Magon. Also on the episode, Nick talks with Jill Erwin of Jill Erwin Interiors. Jill talks about her how she transitioned from fashion into interior design, how she runs her business and all about her killer marketing tactics. Passion Sucks. It's All About the Money! All of us in the interior design industry are passionate about interior design, but that doesn’t mean all of us are successful. Passion can only take us so far, so what differentiates those that are successful, from those that are trying to become successful? Nick talks to industry-leading design firms from across the country, to learn how they’ve broken out of mediocre to build stand-out design firms. Learn not only how to get press coverage but also how to make REAL dollars. Panel Summary Kelli Ellis is an interior designer, licensing LLC, author, business coach and TV personality. While design is her passion, it’s also her business. Nina Magon was an economics and finance major turned interior design. She was on American Dream Builders with Nate Berkus in 2013 as a semi-finalist. Nina just completed her project on 51fifteen Cuisine and Cocktails with Sax Fifth Avenue in Houston, Texas and does both residential and commercial design. Before Steven Favreau became an interior designer, he was a professional dancer and singer. Based out of Boston, Steven is opening up the Favreau’s Factory, which is an 11,000 square foot think tank for himself, architects, high tech web people and photographers. It will launch January of 2018. Chad James is based out of Nashville, Tennessee but he has a plethora of clients all over the World including in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Cayman Islands. He originally studied Architecture at Auburn University and five years into his career he decided to start designing the interiors his buildings. His company does Architecture Consulting and 75% of their projects are residential, the rest are Commercial.
Steven relays that one of the things you learn in becoming a successful designer is to always be looking for clients with large budgets. If you are able to do what you'd like without limitation, you will be better at your job and be able to show this off. For Steven, it’s all about how you present yourself to clients. If he is put up against other designers for a job, he always makes the client feel comfortable that’s he is the right choice because he is going to get it done right. Steven believes social media is where it’s at but, networking, such as going High Point, is also important.
Nina has been called the number one contemporary designer in Texas. To make her firm stand out, she has a no-nonsense policy. This policy means that they don’t fool around with clients or their money and they deliver the best customer service. She only hires people who believe in her brand and who are modern and forward thinking. Four staff members out of her 12-person firm were educated in Columbia. They are able to bring new and innovative ideas to her company which help set her apart. Nina receives new clients by making all her previous clients very happy. Word of mouth goes a long way. For every project, Nina shoots to make 35%. Her firm charges $250 an hour with $20,000 minimum. Nina is involved in every aspect of the project and everyone she works with is an extension of herself. Nina prefers working on full houses and high profile projects which help get her name out there.
The first time Kelli started to feel successful in her career was when she started getting knocked off. She doesn’t see this as a negative because she broadcasts so much of what she does and has a “look at me” kind of company,
High Point Market: Hospitality Designers Share All Today in The Lounge, Nick hosts the Hospitality Insiders Share All: What it Takes to be a Designer in the Hospitality Sector panel with guests Gary Inman, Nina Magon, Patrick Sutton, and Todd Ellenberger. The panel was recorded live at High Point! Nick also talks with Lynne Lawson of Lawson Dream Team at Norwalk Furniture during High Point. Lynne and Nick discuss how she finally entered into interior design and how she did it with no interior design education.
Hospitality Insiders Share All: What it Takes to be a Designer in the Hospitality Sector The panel begins with each designer introducing themselves and talking about how they began their careers in interior design. They all work in varying design firms, from large to small. Both Gary and Nina have fashion design backgrounds and then later moved to interior design. Patrick is the son of a pioneer of 'travelism,' so he spent his childhood seeing the world and enjoying its architecture. He loved the world of architecture but felt something was missing. In order to complete his story, he stopped doing architecture and began designing interiors of buildings. Todd started thinking about interior design in high school and right out of school began designing handmade draperies for high-end residential clients. A few years down the road and he now works for Hirsch Bedner Associates.
The designers talk about their transitions into the hospitality sector and some of the difficulties they faced in changing from residential to hospitality. They discuss the differences in design, such as logistics and fabrics, as well as the change in monetary profits. They also chat about how long it really takes to design a hotel from start to finish. For more input, listen to the full panel!
Getting to Know Lynne The last vacation Lynne took was in Europe when she visited Austria and Switzerland this past summer. She fell in love with Switzerland during her two-week stay. Lynne lives in Columbia, Maryland and the last home decor piece she purchased for her home was a convertible cocktail to dinner table. The one room in her home that she would never put on Instagram, is her daughter’s room because it’s still in transition from her moving out... Lynne plans on converting it to her 'woman cave.' "Beer, wine or cocktail?" Lynne prefers wine. How Lynne Got Started in Interior Design Lynne previously worked at IBM for 19 years, as a salesperson, consultant, and a consulting principal. She would sell mainframes to NASA, classified agencies, the White House, House of Representatives, the Senate and the World Bank. She left because she was traveling a lot, lost her younger brother, and turned the age where enough was enough. She thought about what she really wanted to do with her life and decided to go 'interior design.'
Decorating Den Interiors is a 47-year-old business of individually owned and operated franchises. It is for both start-up interior decorators with no experience and interior designers with degrees who want to take advantage of the business, marketing, and public relations opportunities that Decorating Den Interiors provides. To get into Decorating Den, you first have to contact the corporate office and they take you through a series of steps: you qualify the company and the company qualifies you. At the end of the day, you should be able to run your own franchise! If you move forward in the process, you are then given both business and design training. Some of their training includes how to recieve leads and how to market your business. You are encouraged to have a grand opening seminar to generate leads so you can get started on designing. In the beginning, you continue to receive training from a manager as well as continue going to CEUs (Continuing Education Units). Lynne says that running your business from a series of consistent and repeatable processes makes it successful!
Nick,
High Point Market: Hospitality Designers Share All Today in The Lounge, Nick hosts the Hospitality Insiders Share All: What it Takes to be a Designer in the Hospitality Sector panel with guests Gary Inman, Nina Magon, Patrick Sutton, and Todd Ellenberger. The panel was recorded live at High Point! Nick also talks with Lynne Lawson of Lawson Dream Team at Norwalk Furniture during High Point. Lynne and Nick discuss how she finally entered into interior design and how she did it with no interior design education.
Hospitality Insiders Share All: What it Takes to be a Designer in the Hospitality Sector The panel begins with each designer introducing themselves and talking about how they began their careers in interior design. They all work in varying design firms, from large to small. Both Gary and Nina have fashion design backgrounds and then later moved to interior design. Patrick is the son of a pioneer of 'travelism,' so he spent his childhood seeing the world and enjoying its architecture. He loved the world of architecture but felt something was missing. In order to complete his story, he stopped doing architecture and began designing interiors of buildings. Todd started thinking about interior design in high school and right out of school began designing handmade draperies for high-end residential clients. A few years down the road and he now works for Hirsch Bedner Associates.
The designers talk about their transitions into the hospitality sector and some of the difficulties they faced in changing from residential to hospitality. They discuss the differences in design, such as logistics and fabrics, as well as the change in monetary profits. They also chat about how long it really takes to design a hotel from start to finish. For more input, listen to the full panel!
Getting to Know Lynne The last vacation Lynne took was in Europe when she visited Austria and Switzerland this past summer. She fell in love with Switzerland during her two-week stay. Lynne lives in Columbia, Maryland and the last home decor piece she purchased for her home was a convertible cocktail to dinner table. The one room in her home that she would never put on Instagram, is her daughter’s room because it’s still in transition from her moving out... Lynne plans on converting it to her 'woman cave.' "Beer, wine or cocktail?" Lynne prefers wine. How Lynne Got Started in Interior Design Lynne previously worked at IBM for 19 years, as a salesperson, consultant, and a consulting principal. She would sell mainframes to NASA, classified agencies, the White House, House of Representatives, the Senate and the World Bank. She left because she was traveling a lot, lost her younger brother, and turned the age where enough was enough. She thought about what she really wanted to do with her life and decided to go 'interior design.'
Decorating Den Interiors is a 47-year-old business of individually owned and operated franchises. It is for both start-up interior decorators with no experience and interior designers with degrees who want to take advantage of the business, marketing, and public relations opportunities that Decorating Den Interiors provides. To get into Decorating Den, you first have to contact the corporate office and they take you through a series of steps: you qualify the company and the company qualifies you. At the end of the day, you should be able to run your own franchise! If you move forward in the process, you are then given both business and design training. Some of their training includes how to recieve leads and how to market your business. You are encouraged to have a grand opening seminar to generate leads so you can get started on designing. In the beginning, you continue to receive training from a manager as well as continue going to CEUs (Continuing Education Units). Lynne says that running your business from a series of consistent and repeatable processes makes it successful!
Nick,
166 - High Point Market Live: Madcap Cottage + Marketing Your Design Firm Today in The Lounge, Nick is live from High Point Market. The show kicks off with a live recording of "Marketing Your Design Firm," a panel moderated by Nick at the Zuo Mod showroom. Hear what Shayla Copas, Jason Clifton, and Jeffrey Johnson do to get the phone to ring each day. Then, Nick is joined by Madcap Cottage's duo, Jason Oliver Nixon and John Loecke, in the Phillips Collection Showroom. Nick speaks to the duo about how they started in interior design, how they license their own products and all about their new book. Getting to Know Jason and John Jason is from Tampa, Florida. He went to school in Maine and then later moved to New York. John grew up in Iowa where he attended Iowa State and then, also, moved to New York, which is where he and Jason met. Jason’s favorite accessories are his bags...just ask John. It’s not that he has a problem with them, he just owns over 60 L.L. Bean Boat and Tote bags and these bags go everywhere with Jason. John’s favorite accessory is his watches. He also loves vintage movies; his favorite is Auntie Mame. Auntie Mame inspires him because the design style is so over the top. John also loves books but admits that he’s been so busy with work, he doesn’t have time to read novels anymore. Jason’s favorite guilty pleasures movies are murder mysteries or vintage James Bond books and movies. John's favorite stores are Fortnum & Mason and Liberty in London. He loves the designs, presentation, and architecture. John and Jason spend 24/7 together and to balance out their lives they build in time to actually see the city they're working in and visit a museum or cafe. When asked 'beer, wine, or cocktail?' Jason says, he loves a craft beer or a citrus beer, for wine he loves a good rosé and for a cocktail, he chooses a Tito’s martini dirty with olives on the side. In other words, "All of the above." John prefers a gin or vodka cocktail.
John always thought he wanted to be an architect, but when finally in school, he saw that it wasn’t right for him. He didn’t really look at interior design as a profession until he started writing and doing graphic design work for a couple magazines in New York, including House Beautiful, American Homestyle, and Better Homes and Gardens. This is where he met Mario Buatta and Bunny Williams, who both inspired him greatly. Meeting them was a wake-up call that interior design was where he really wanted to be. On the other hand, Jason was always interested in interiors. As a kid, every Friday night, he would move around his parents' contemporary furniture. Jason worked in television as a producer and was a magazine editor when he met John in New York and they decided to start their business. John says that they are storytellers and it took that thread of working in the magazine and television industries to be able to tell people’s personal stories through design. The Business Today Madcap Cottage is a small firm with Jason, John, and three or four regular employees. Their employees help with strategy, structure, social media, bookkeeping and running errands. They are currently working on a 40,000 square foot home as well as small projects in Sarasota, Florida; Pittsboro, North Carolina; and one in Connecticut. They take projects for people who want to embrace living to the fullest in a space that is all about them. They work on three to four interior projects a year, license their own products, and would like to be the next great Laura Ashley: where clients can get great home and accessory items that are both, affordable, and accessible.
They two J's both love to travel and traveling inspires their designs. They have written a book called Prints Charming about looking to the past, to move the needle forward. They enjoy planning the old-school way, on paper and have hired someone to do it professionally in CAD. John and Jason's talents compliment each other very well,
166 - High Point Market Live: Madcap Cottage + Marketing Your Design Firm Today in The Lounge, Nick is live from High Point Market. The show kicks off with a live recording of "Marketing Your Design Firm," a panel moderated by Nick at the Zuo Mod showroom. Hear what Shayla Copas, Jason Clifton, and Jeffrey Johnson do to get the phone to ring each day. Then, Nick is joined by Madcap Cottage's duo, Jason Oliver Nixon and John Loecke, in the Phillips Collection Showroom. Nick speaks to the duo about how they started in interior design, how they license their own products and all about their new book. Getting to Know Jason and John Jason is from Tampa, Florida. He went to school in Maine and then later moved to New York. John grew up in Iowa where he attended Iowa State and then, also, moved to New York, which is where he and Jason met. Jason’s favorite accessories are his bags...just ask John. It’s not that he has a problem with them, he just owns over 60 L.L. Bean Boat and Tote bags and these bags go everywhere with Jason. John’s favorite accessory is his watches. He also loves vintage movies; his favorite is Auntie Mame. Auntie Mame inspires him because the design style is so over the top. John also loves books but admits that he’s been so busy with work, he doesn’t have time to read novels anymore. Jason’s favorite guilty pleasures movies are murder mysteries or vintage James Bond books and movies. John's favorite stores are Fortnum & Mason and Liberty in London. He loves the designs, presentation, and architecture. John and Jason spend 24/7 together and to balance out their lives they build in time to actually see the city they're working in and visit a museum or cafe. When asked 'beer, wine, or cocktail?' Jason says, he loves a craft beer or a citrus beer, for wine he loves a good rosé and for a cocktail, he chooses a Tito’s martini dirty with olives on the side. In other words, "All of the above." John prefers a gin or vodka cocktail.
John always thought he wanted to be an architect, but when finally in school, he saw that it wasn’t right for him. He didn’t really look at interior design as a profession until he started writing and doing graphic design work for a couple magazines in New York, including House Beautiful, American Homestyle, and Better Homes and Gardens. This is where he met Mario Buatta and Bunny Williams, who both inspired him greatly. Meeting them was a wake-up call that interior design was where he really wanted to be. On the other hand, Jason was always interested in interiors. As a kid, every Friday night, he would move around his parents' contemporary furniture. Jason worked in television as a producer and was a magazine editor when he met John in New York and they decided to start their business. John says that they are storytellers and it took that thread of working in the magazine and television industries to be able to tell people’s personal stories through design. The Business Today Madcap Cottage is a small firm with Jason, John, and three or four regular employees. Their employees help with strategy, structure, social media, bookkeeping and running errands. They are currently working on a 40,000 square foot home as well as small projects in Sarasota, Florida; Pittsboro, North Carolina; and one in Connecticut. They take projects for people who want to embrace living to the fullest in a space that is all about them. They work on three to four interior projects a year, license their own products, and would like to be the next great Laura Ashley: where clients can get great home and accessory items that are both, affordable, and accessible.
They two J's both love to travel and traveling inspires their designs. They have written a book called Prints Charming about looking to the past, to move the needle forward. They enjoy planning the old-school way, on paper and have hired someone to do it professionally in CAD. John and Jason's talents compliment each other very well,
Shayla Copas: From Homeless to Luxury Interior Designer. Today in The Lounge, Nick speaks with Shayla Copas of Shayla Copas Interiors at the Zuo Modern Showroom in High Point, North Carolina. Shayla discusses how she runs her business with only a small group of people and a few interns. Find out how Shayla advertises in a way that people don’t really do anymore and how she became an interior designer withOUT a proper design education. Nick also speaks with Brian Pagel from Emerald Expositions. They chat about The Chaise Lounge’s new partnership with KBIS and what to expect this year from the 2018 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in January. Getting to Know Shayla Shayla’s favorite type of music is rap, she loves Tupac and Biggie. Her favorite fashion accessory is her pink Valentino shoes and handbags. Her ideal Saturday night is being at home next to her husband with a glass of wine, watching movies. Shayla’s favorite vacation spot is in Italy on the Amalfi coast. When asked ‘beer, wine or cocktail?’ Shayla picks a Caymus wine...by the case. As a child, Shayla would rearrange the furniture in her house and redo her bedroom at least three to four times a year.
Shayla originally went to school for marketing and nursing and had almost graduated when she decided to follow her talents in interior design. Shayla’s marketing experience helps her not only market her own business but her husband’s as well. She met her entrepreneur of a husband in Portland, while out with some friends and now they’ve been married for 20 years. At one point, her husband was the fourth biggest commercial contractor in Arkansas, but he’s only helped out in Shayla's business four times.
Shayla was 19 years old when she was kicked out of her home because she was pregnant. She went to a pregancy home where they convinced her to continue school, start a career, and give back. Shayla asked the baby’s father for child support but the father’s parents didn’t want him to help her. Instead, they gave her some silk plants to sell on the street and told her support the baby that way. So, Shayla stood in a pet store parking lot in Vancouver, selling silk plants rain or shine for 8 months. She began to supply silk plants as housewarming gifts for apartments around the nation. Her own apartment was filled to the ceiling with silk plants and trees in order to keep up. The production cost and materials for each plant was only about $10 but she sold them for $25-$125. Shayla was thankful for her source of income but, she was always thinking beyond what she was currently doing and looking for the next business venture. The Business Today Shayla now runs a luxury design business that does both commercial and residential work. She has a small staff from two to ten, depending on the season. Shayla markets, sells, and designs. She has interior designers on retainer and recieves a lot of help from her interns.
To market herself, Shayla uses print advertising. She does advertorials with her local magazine and is getting ready to go national. Her advertorials are made from a monthly kit that the magazine supplies her, which helps them not feel like ads. She wants her customers to see her personal touch as a designer while being authentic, organic, and not contrived. Shayla gets some business from her social media platforms as well and uses Instagram to convey her brand. She loves posting stories to bring in more followers, showing off products from her vendors and from her portfolio, unless the images are going to be published. Shayla and Nick tell us that you should redo your website every two to three years because the business is always changing, and you should be as well. Shayla thinks designers should also include their press on their website.
Shayla’s favorite part of the business, besides design, are her clients and the relationships she builds with them. While her main focus is in luxury design, she will do small budget projects as well.
Shayla Copas: From Homeless to Luxury Interior Designer. Today in The Lounge, Nick speaks with Shayla Copas of Shayla Copas Interiors at the Zuo Modern Showroom in High Point, North Carolina. Shayla discusses how she runs her business with only a small group of people and a few interns. Find out how Shayla advertises in a way that people don’t really do anymore and how she became an interior designer withOUT a proper design education. Nick also speaks with Brian Pagel from Emerald Expositions. They chat about The Chaise Lounge’s new partnership with KBIS and what to expect this year from the 2018 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in January. Getting to Know Shayla Shayla’s favorite type of music is rap, she loves Tupac and Biggie. Her favorite fashion accessory is her pink Valentino shoes and handbags. Her ideal Saturday night is being at home next to her husband with a glass of wine, watching movies. Shayla’s favorite vacation spot is in Italy on the Amalfi coast. When asked ‘beer, wine or cocktail?’ Shayla picks a Caymus wine...by the case. As a child, Shayla would rearrange the furniture in her house and redo her bedroom at least three to four times a year.
Shayla originally went to school for marketing and nursing and had almost graduated when she decided to follow her talents in interior design. Shayla’s marketing experience helps her not only market her own business but her husband’s as well. She met her entrepreneur of a husband in Portland, while out with some friends and now they’ve been married for 20 years. At one point, her husband was the fourth biggest commercial contractor in Arkansas, but he’s only helped out in Shayla's business four times.
Shayla was 19 years old when she was kicked out of her home because she was pregnant. She went to a pregancy home where they convinced her to continue school, start a career, and give back. Shayla asked the baby’s father for child support but the father’s parents didn’t want him to help her. Instead, they gave her some silk plants to sell on the street and told her support the baby that way. So, Shayla stood in a pet store parking lot in Vancouver, selling silk plants rain or shine for 8 months. She began to supply silk plants as housewarming gifts for apartments around the nation. Her own apartment was filled to the ceiling with silk plants and trees in order to keep up. The production cost and materials for each plant was only about $10 but she sold them for $25-$125. Shayla was thankful for her source of income but, she was always thinking beyond what she was currently doing and looking for the next business venture. The Business Today Shayla now runs a luxury design business that does both commercial and residential work. She has a small staff from two to ten, depending on the season. Shayla markets, sells, and designs. She has interior designers on retainer and recieves a lot of help from her interns.
To market herself, Shayla uses print advertising. She does advertorials with her local magazine and is getting ready to go national. Her advertorials are made from a monthly kit that the magazine supplies her, which helps them not feel like ads. She wants her customers to see her personal touch as a designer while being authentic, organic, and not contrived. Shayla gets some business from her social media platforms as well and uses Instagram to convey her brand. She loves posting stories to bring in more followers, showing off products from her vendors and from her portfolio, unless the images are going to be published. Shayla and Nick tell us that you should redo your website every two to three years because the business is always changing, and you should be as well. Shayla thinks designers should also include their press on their website.
Shayla’s favorite part of the business, besides design, are her clients and the relationships she builds with them. While her main focus is in luxury design, she will do small budget projects as well.
XXIV International Architecture & Interior Design Exposition in Spain
In the world of porcelain, stone and ceramic wall & floor design, there are two key international exhibitions that take place every year - Cersaie in Bologna, Italy during the close of September and Cevisama in Valencia, Spain. Earlier this year, The Chaise Lounge along with sponsor Porcelanosa visited the Spanish Group’s exhibition which ran concurrently with Cevisama. The following shows recap some of the highlights of the tour with guests sharing their individual and collective experience from the trip, the inspiration for which was the Chaise Lounge’s social media competition #Let’sGoToSpain.
Silvestre Segarra Jr. Silvestre Segarra Soriano is the grandson of Porcelanosa co-founder Jose Soriano Ramos. Establishing the company 46 years ago, Porcelanosa began operations as a tile company. The vision of the business has seen the enterprise transform into a manufacturer of so much more than just their world-leading ceramics, with kitchens, bathrooms, KRION® Solid Surface material, and many other solutions for architecture and home heading the product assortment. Silvestre details the Porcelanosa XXIV International Architecture & Interiors Exhibition, an event that spans the course of two weeks and welcomes more than 14,000 visitors from over 100 countries. Attendees include architects, designers, customers, international branch staff, press, and media. Each of the eight Porcelanosa companies re-design their showrooms to feature product releases and innovations for their respective global audience. Nick expresses his astonishment at the scale of the organization, not least of which is the fact that Porcelanosa began as, and remain, a family owned and run business. Silvestre explains the special culture that runs through the company, the intimate involvement of the shareholders’ desire to drive perfection in product and customer service – he firmly believes this to be the biggest differentiator from the competitor set. Nick and Silvestre also discuss the distinct European style that Porcelanosa is known for and how their awareness in the US has grown over recent years. Nick pondered the question of the sustainable environmental manufacturing the group had witnessed during the visit and Silvestre confirmed that it had been a tenet from the very beginning of the company. Eco-friendly principles, modern cost-efficient production facilities, and cleanliness are core values which he believes translate into sound business and ultimately a product designed to enhance the end customer’s lifestyle.
Kelli Ellis Kelli Ellis is working with Kym Johnson from Dancing with the Stars and her husband, television personality, Robert Herjavec. They bought the old Richard Simmons dance studio in Beverly Hills and Kelli will be doing the entire reception area with Porcelanosa products. She learned so much on the trip and is ready to parlay the materials and knowledge that she uncovered in Spain into her designs. In other news - Kelli recently wrapped up the first season of Design Therapy, which can be watched on The Design Network. She also created a new art collection with Leftbank Art, in addition to an exclusive licensing deal with a furniture company to be debuted at High Point. Kelli is planning multiple Design Mastermind events to talk about the business of design, marketing, and how to ramp up and ignite business. Classes are capped at 20 people to keep it a small, one on one format where Kelli personally gets to know and work with delegates. As a passionate educator, Kelli is a firm exponent of collaboration and aims for the goal of “Design Geek to Rockstar Chic.” Nick and Kelli reminisce about their trip and Kelli’s emotional connection to Spain. Her lasting memory is of the strong relationships she built with the traveling group members. What surprised Kelli the most was the depth and range of Porcelanosa’s offering.
XXIV International Architecture & Interior Design Exposition in Spain
In the world of porcelain, stone and ceramic wall & floor design, there are two key international exhibitions that take place every year - Cersaie in Bologna, Italy during the close of September and Cevisama in Valencia, Spain. Earlier this year, The Chaise Lounge along with sponsor Porcelanosa visited the Spanish Group’s exhibition which ran concurrently with Cevisama. The following shows recap some of the highlights of the tour with guests sharing their individual and collective experience from the trip, the inspiration for which was the Chaise Lounge’s social media competition #Let’sGoToSpain.
Silvestre Segarra Jr. Silvestre Segarra Soriano is the grandson of Porcelanosa co-founder Jose Soriano Ramos. Establishing the company 46 years ago, Porcelanosa began operations as a tile company. The vision of the business has seen the enterprise transform into a manufacturer of so much more than just their world-leading ceramics, with kitchens, bathrooms, KRION® Solid Surface material, and many other solutions for architecture and home heading the product assortment. Silvestre details the Porcelanosa XXIV International Architecture & Interiors Exhibition, an event that spans the course of two weeks and welcomes more than 14,000 visitors from over 100 countries. Attendees include architects, designers, customers, international branch staff, press, and media. Each of the eight Porcelanosa companies re-design their showrooms to feature product releases and innovations for their respective global audience. Nick expresses his astonishment at the scale of the organization, not least of which is the fact that Porcelanosa began as, and remain, a family owned and run business. Silvestre explains the special culture that runs through the company, the intimate involvement of the shareholders’ desire to drive perfection in product and customer service – he firmly believes this to be the biggest differentiator from the competitor set. Nick and Silvestre also discuss the distinct European style that Porcelanosa is known for and how their awareness in the US has grown over recent years. Nick pondered the question of the sustainable environmental manufacturing the group had witnessed during the visit and Silvestre confirmed that it had been a tenet from the very beginning of the company. Eco-friendly principles, modern cost-efficient production facilities, and cleanliness are core values which he believes translate into sound business and ultimately a product designed to enhance the end customer’s lifestyle.
Kelli Ellis Kelli Ellis is working with Kym Johnson from Dancing with the Stars and her husband, television personality, Robert Herjavec. They bought the old Richard Simmons dance studio in Beverly Hills and Kelli will be doing the entire reception area with Porcelanosa products. She learned so much on the trip and is ready to parlay the materials and knowledge that she uncovered in Spain into her designs. In other news - Kelli recently wrapped up the first season of Design Therapy, which can be watched on The Design Network. She also created a new art collection with Leftbank Art, in addition to an exclusive licensing deal with a furniture company to be debuted at High Point. Kelli is planning multiple Design Mastermind events to talk about the business of design, marketing, and how to ramp up and ignite business. Classes are capped at 20 people to keep it a small, one on one format where Kelli personally gets to know and work with delegates. As a passionate educator, Kelli is a firm exponent of collaboration and aims for the goal of “Design Geek to Rockstar Chic.” Nick and Kelli reminisce about their trip and Kelli’s emotional connection to Spain. Her lasting memory is of the strong relationships she built with the traveling group members. What surprised Kelli the most was the depth and range of Porcelanosa’s offering.
XXIV International Architecture & Interior Design Exposition in Spain In the world of porcelain, stone and ceramic wall & floor design, there are two key international exhibitions that take place every year - Cersaie in Bologna, Italy during the close of September and Cevisama in Valencia, Spain. Earlier this year, The Chaise Lounge along with sponsor Porcelanosa visited the Spanish Group’s exhibition which ran concurrently with Cevisama. The following shows recap some of the highlights of the tour with guests sharing their individual and collective experience from the trip, the inspiration for which was the Chaise Lounge’s social media competition #Let’sGoToSpain. Jessie Clayton Nick and Jessie Clayton get into the business discussions that permeated the trip, this for Jesse was invaluable and her favorite take away experience. Jesse took every advantage and opportunity to swap notes with her fellow designers from hiring more staff to branding. She also took advice from a previous episode of the show featuring companion traveler Kelli Ellis and changed her business name from Mod Barn Design to Jessie Clayton Designs. Jessie won her spot on the trip as the outright winner of our #LetsGoToSpain social media contest. Leading up to the trip she discusses being slightly apprehensive because she’d not met any of her fellow travelers, but Jessie was primed to learn and ready to focus. She prepared for it as a business trip but was surprised how effortlessly the relationships developed in such a brief time. Jessie shares her compliments of the warm hospitality shown to the group by everyone she came in to contact with from Porcelanosa. She describes the designs and products as trend forward and unique and her intent to introduce them to her projects. A note that will be a recurring theme is shared by Jessie – the overwhelming depth and breadth of the Porcelaonsa product assortment – not just tile! Nick & Jessie also encourage listeners to visit their local Porcelanosa showroom, or get to know their representatives – and take every opportunity that could lead to joining a future trip with the company to Spain. The City of Art and Sciences Lina Goldberg Lina Goldberg of HBG Design, formerly known as Hnedak Bobo and one of the top 10 leading companies in the hospitality design arena, called Nick from Memphis, Tennessee - the home of Elvis Presley. Her firm recently completed the 450 room Guest House at Graceland® Resort and is currently working on multiple construction projects. Nick wanted his listeners to get to know Lina, so they delve into her history and interests. She grew up in Indianapolis and her favorite vacation spot is Venice, Italy for its unique culture and history. Lina was first interested in interior design when she was a kid flipping through her mom’s Architectural Digest magazines. When she was 10 years old, she said that she was going to be an architect when she grew up. Lina double majored in Architecture and Interior Design at the University of Cincinnati, where she decided she wanted to focus on interiors. On the weekends, Nina likes to spend time with her three-year-old son. HBG Design specializes in gaming resorts, hotels, restaurants, casinos, entertainment venues, and event centers all over the country. In a company of over 100 employees with 20 designers, Lina is one of the lead Interior Designers. Lina’s favorite role is the early concept work of a project. The company doesn’t usually work on branded hotel properties and this affords Lina the freedom to make each assignment unique without the constraints of brand standards. Before attending the Porcelanosa trip to Spain, Lina mainly knew Porcelanosa as a tile fabricator and supplier. Yet, while on the trip, she learned about the many different products that Porcelanosa creates. The exhibition experience that stood out the most to Lina was learning how tile is manufactured in the Porcelanosa factories and then seeing the products installed in...
XXIV International Architecture & Interior Design Exposition in Spain In the world of porcelain, stone and ceramic wall & floor design, there are two key international exhibitions that take place every year - Cersaie in Bologna, Italy during the close of September and Cevisama in Valencia, Spain. Earlier this year, The Chaise Lounge along with sponsor Porcelanosa visited the Spanish Group’s exhibition which ran concurrently with Cevisama. The following shows recap some of the highlights of the tour with guests sharing their individual and collective experience from the trip, the inspiration for which was the Chaise Lounge’s social media competition #Let’sGoToSpain. Jessie Clayton Nick and Jessie Clayton get into the business discussions that permeated the trip, this for Jesse was invaluable and her favorite take away experience. Jesse took every advantage and opportunity to swap notes with her fellow designers from hiring more staff to branding. She also took advice from a previous episode of the show featuring companion traveler Kelli Ellis and changed her business name from Mod Barn Design to Jessie Clayton Designs. Jessie won her spot on the trip as the outright winner of our #LetsGoToSpain social media contest. Leading up to the trip she discusses being slightly apprehensive because she’d not met any of her fellow travelers, but Jessie was primed to learn and ready to focus. She prepared for it as a business trip but was surprised how effortlessly the relationships developed in such a brief time. Jessie shares her compliments of the warm hospitality shown to the group by everyone she came in to contact with from Porcelanosa. She describes the designs and products as trend forward and unique and her intent to introduce them to her projects. A note that will be a recurring theme is shared by Jessie – the overwhelming depth and breadth of the Porcelaonsa product assortment – not just tile! Nick & Jessie also encourage listeners to visit their local Porcelanosa showroom, or get to know their representatives – and take every opportunity that could lead to joining a future trip with the company to Spain. The City of Art and Sciences Lina Goldberg Lina Goldberg of HBG Design, formerly known as Hnedak Bobo and one of the top 10 leading companies in the hospitality design arena, called Nick from Memphis, Tennessee - the home of Elvis Presley. Her firm recently completed the 450 room Guest House at Graceland® Resort and is currently working on multiple construction projects. Nick wanted his listeners to get to know Lina, so they delve into her history and interests. She grew up in Indianapolis and her favorite vacation spot is Venice, Italy for its unique culture and history. Lina was first interested in interior design when she was a kid flipping through her mom’s Architectural Digest magazines. When she was 10 years old, she said that she was going to be an architect when she grew up. Lina double majored in Architecture and Interior Design at the University of Cincinnati, where she decided she wanted to focus on interiors. On the weekends, Nina likes to spend time with her three-year-old son. HBG Design specializes in gaming resorts, hotels, restaurants, casinos, entertainment venues, and event centers all over the country. In a company of over 100 employees with 20 designers, Lina is one of the lead Interior Designers. Lina’s favorite role is the early concept work of a project. The company doesn’t usually work on branded hotel properties and this affords Lina the freedom to make each assignment unique without the constraints of brand standards. Before attending the Porcelanosa trip to Spain, Lina mainly knew Porcelanosa as a tile fabricator and supplier. Yet, while on the trip, she learned about the many different products that Porcelanosa creates. The exhibition experience that stood out the most to Lina was learning how tile is manufactured in the Porcelanosa factories and then seeing the products installed in...
IwannagotoSpain with Eloy and Nina
XXIV International Architecture & Interior Design Exposition in Spain In the world of porcelain, stone and ceramic wall & floor design, there are two key international exhibitions that take place every year - Cersaie in Bologna, Italy during the close of September and Cevisama in Valencia, Spain. Earlier this year, The Chaise Lounge along with sponsor Porcelanosa visited the Spanish Group’s exhibition which ran concurrently with Cevisama. The following shows recap some of the highlights of the tour with guests sharing their individual and collective experience from the trip, the inspiration for which was the Chaise Lounge’s social media competition #Let’sGoToSpain. Eloy Selles Eloy Selles is the General Manager of the West Coast of the United States for Porcelanosa. A native of Madrid, he can now be found in the company’s Southern California offices. Eloy Selles and Nick discuss the itinerary that sees guests take in three major cities and eight factories over a whirlwind five day period, where the emphasis plays to enjoying all that Spain has to offer in culture, hospitality, gastronomy and of course, great design. Some of Porcelanosa’s newest product launches that were displayed on the trip included Tono by Foster + Partners, Vitae by Zaha Hadid, K-LIFE by KRION®, and the Seedwood collection by VENIS. It is clear that Eloy Selles could not be happier or more proud than when he’s hosting clients and guests in his homeland. The experience of touring the most modern High-Tec manufacturing facilities and artistically designed showrooms leaves visitors with lasting memories and inspiration. Nick recounts some of the highlights which included Santiago Calatrava’s modern City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, the work of Antoni Gaudí’ in Barcelona – from La SagradaFamília to Park Güell – and the countless restaurants and boutique hotels enjoyed along the way.
Above: from left: Tomas Palomar: Porcelanosa International Division, Nick May: The Chaise Lounge, Nina Magon: Contour Interior Design, Pratibha Naware: Marriott International, Maria Jose Soriano: President of Porcelanosa Group, Kelli Ellis: Kelli Ellis Interior Design, Andrew Pennington: Porcelanosa USA, Lina Goldberg: HBG Design, Jessie Clayton: Jessie Clayton Designs Nina Magon Nina is the Principal of Contour Interior Design and was familiar with Porcelanosa before the trip but was not aware of the extent of the company’s offering beyond tile. Nina chats with Nick about the value she gained from the experience, the sincerity of the customer service and absolute absence of any agenda to overtly promote product to the group at any point. Nina enjoyed everything on the trip during the group’s hectic days together. One outstanding memory was the timely coincidence of joining the crowds in Valencia during the Las Fallas Festival. Enroute to Madrid the group had just finished touring the last factory in time to witness daytime fireworks with what seemed to be a million people celebrating Valencian culture in the center of the city in the early afternoon. Nina’s undoubted opinion is that anybody who has the opportunity to join a Porcelanosa design trip to Spain is blessed, high praise indeed from a former guest on The Chaise Lounge. Currently, Nina and Contour Interior Design are working on a multitude of projects - including the owner suites at Minute Maid Park for the Houston Astros, a medical center and a 42,000 sq. ft. office building. Nina was also chosen as a blogger for the 2017 High Point Market to talk about her favorite products as a trend spotter for the new season. Her blog, Live Stylish Daily was awarded Best New Design Blog during the National Design Bloggers Conference in Atlanta and she’ll join Nick on the Chaise Lounge High Point panel Hospitality Insiders Share All: What it Takes to be a Designer in the Hospitality Sector.
Upcoming Events
High Point Market – Oct 14 – 18 BDNY – Nov 12 – 13 KBIS – Jan 9 – 11
IwannagotoSpain with Eloy and Nina
XXIV International Architecture & Interior Design Exposition in Spain In the world of porcelain, stone and ceramic wall & floor design, there are two key international exhibitions that take place every year - Cersaie in Bologna, Italy during the close of September and Cevisama in Valencia, Spain. Earlier this year, The Chaise Lounge along with sponsor Porcelanosa visited the Spanish Group’s exhibition which ran concurrently with Cevisama. The following shows recap some of the highlights of the tour with guests sharing their individual and collective experience from the trip, the inspiration for which was the Chaise Lounge’s social media competition #Let’sGoToSpain. Eloy Selles Eloy Selles is the General Manager of the West Coast of the United States for Porcelanosa. A native of Madrid, he can now be found in the company’s Southern California offices. Eloy Selles and Nick discuss the itinerary that sees guests take in three major cities and eight factories over a whirlwind five day period, where the emphasis plays to enjoying all that Spain has to offer in culture, hospitality, gastronomy and of course, great design. Some of Porcelanosa’s newest product launches that were displayed on the trip included Tono by Foster + Partners, Vitae by Zaha Hadid, K-LIFE by KRION®, and the Seedwood collection by VENIS. It is clear that Eloy Selles could not be happier or more proud than when he’s hosting clients and guests in his homeland. The experience of touring the most modern High-Tec manufacturing facilities and artistically designed showrooms leaves visitors with lasting memories and inspiration. Nick recounts some of the highlights which included Santiago Calatrava’s modern City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, the work of Antoni Gaudí’ in Barcelona – from La SagradaFamília to Park Güell – and the countless restaurants and boutique hotels enjoyed along the way.
Above: from left: Tomas Palomar: Porcelanosa International Division, Nick May: The Chaise Lounge, Nina Magon: Contour Interior Design, Pratibha Naware: Marriott International, Maria Jose Soriano: President of Porcelanosa Group, Kelli Ellis: Kelli Ellis Interior Design, Andrew Pennington: Porcelanosa USA, Lina Goldberg: HBG Design, Jessie Clayton: Jessie Clayton Designs Nina Magon Nina is the Principal of Contour Interior Design and was familiar with Porcelanosa before the trip but was not aware of the extent of the company’s offering beyond tile. Nina chats with Nick about the value she gained from the experience, the sincerity of the customer service and absolute absence of any agenda to overtly promote product to the group at any point. Nina enjoyed everything on the trip during the group’s hectic days together. One outstanding memory was the timely coincidence of joining the crowds in Valencia during the Las Fallas Festival. Enroute to Madrid the group had just finished touring the last factory in time to witness daytime fireworks with what seemed to be a million people celebrating Valencian culture in the center of the city in the early afternoon. Nina’s undoubted opinion is that anybody who has the opportunity to join a Porcelanosa design trip to Spain is blessed, high praise indeed from a former guest on The Chaise Lounge. Currently, Nina and Contour Interior Design are working on a multitude of projects - including the owner suites at Minute Maid Park for the Houston Astros, a medical center and a 42,000 sq. ft. office building. Nina was also chosen as a blogger for the 2017 High Point Market to talk about her favorite products as a trend spotter for the new season. Her blog, Live Stylish Daily was awarded Best New Design Blog during the National Design Bloggers Conference in Atlanta and she’ll join Nick on the Chaise Lounge High Point panel Hospitality Insiders Share All: What it Takes to be a Designer in the Hospitality Sector.
Upcoming Events
High Point Market – Oct 14 – 18 BDNY – Nov 12 – 13 KBIS – Jan 9 – 11
Mark Zeff: Interior Design Hall of Fame Today in The Lounge, Nick interviews Mark Zeff, a recently inducted member of the Interior Designers Hall of Fame. Mark tells us how he got started in interior design and how moving to New York was the best business decision he’s ever made. Find out on the episode how he has created a full-service firm, from branding all the way to designing fabrics. Getting to Know Mark Mark was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and moved to Cape Town at the age of five. He attended University in London and moved to Australia after finishing school. Soon after, Mark decided that New York is where he really wanted to be. His favorite vacation spot is Bay Beach in the Hamptons and this is where the inspiration for his New York shop came from. When Mark is asked beer, wine or cocktail, he responds “definitely a cocktail.” How Mark Got His Start Mark first became interested in interior design when he attended an industrial design school in Johannesburg. He soon found that interior design wasn’t enough, he wanted to be an architect. Mark loved art and machinery so architecture was the perfect career to marry the two together. He landed a job at a firm in Sydney but New York seemed like the place to be in the 80s. So, Mark took off to NY in 1982 to have a little fun. Three weeks later he was out of money, called Ken Walker up on a whim and got a job with him the following week. Ken Walker worked with some of the largest retailers in the industry such as Bloomingdales and Macy's and the firm had 300 people working for it. Mark’s first big project was with designing a toy store. Later he was invited to work with Ken’s product development team. After 2 and a half years with Ken, Mark went to work for Robert Gerson, whose firm specialized in industrial design. With Robert, Mark worked on the control center at NASA as well as on the machines. While working there he met some people who asked him to design their fashion showrooms. That’s when Mark left to start his own firm in the late 1980s.
The Business Today Mark runs his business from Dumbo, ‘Down Under theManhattan Bridge Overpass,” in New York. He fell in love with the interior of this 1920s building and converted it into his studio and store. Over the years Mark’s firm has had various employees, but now he staffs only about 25-30 people with backgrounds in branding, interior design, and architecture. They work all over in the industry including on homes, restaurants, condos, spas, rental units, townhomes, and apartments. Mark loves working all over and having a small firm. They do about 20 projects a year and some projects can last between eight months to three years. Branding is one of Mark’s passions. At fourteen he wanted to be a graphic designer so he looks at the world through a graphic eye. Mark runs a business that services everything you need designing furniture to fabrics and wallpaper. He uses branding as a huge tool in his business.
When Mark first started his firm he began by doing residential projects. The jobs he got were from people he met in nightclubs. His first big job was with Ann Baton, who came from a wealthy family and hung out with Andy Warhol. His transition to commercial design was by opening up a furniture store, that was similar to Design Within Reach. He imported furniture from Germany and Italy and also started designing his own furniture collection. A hotel business took notice and wanted to partner up with him. Mark’s first restaurant was the Red Cat on 23rd street. Later he worked on the Night Hotel, which really put him the map as a commercial designer. No else had done this kind of project before and to this day it is still called the sexiest hotel in New York City.
Mark opened a store in the 90s called Zeff Style but closed it after 9/11. He knew he wanted to open up another store again, so he gave a try in Brooklyn. BLACKBARN’s brand is to develop a home brand that has soul.
Mark Zeff: Interior Design Hall of Fame Today in The Lounge, Nick interviews Mark Zeff, a recently inducted member of the Interior Designers Hall of Fame. Mark tells us how he got started in interior design and how moving to New York was the best business decision he’s ever made. Find out on the episode how he has created a full-service firm, from branding all the way to designing fabrics. Getting to Know Mark Mark was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and moved to Cape Town at the age of five. He attended University in London and moved to Australia after finishing school. Soon after, Mark decided that New York is where he really wanted to be. His favorite vacation spot is Bay Beach in the Hamptons and this is where the inspiration for his New York shop came from. When Mark is asked beer, wine or cocktail, he responds “definitely a cocktail.” How Mark Got His Start Mark first became interested in interior design when he attended an industrial design school in Johannesburg. He soon found that interior design wasn’t enough, he wanted to be an architect. Mark loved art and machinery so architecture was the perfect career to marry the two together. He landed a job at a firm in Sydney but New York seemed like the place to be in the 80s. So, Mark took off to NY in 1982 to have a little fun. Three weeks later he was out of money, called Ken Walker up on a whim and got a job with him the following week. Ken Walker worked with some of the largest retailers in the industry such as Bloomingdales and Macy's and the firm had 300 people working for it. Mark’s first big project was with designing a toy store. Later he was invited to work with Ken’s product development team. After 2 and a half years with Ken, Mark went to work for Robert Gerson, whose firm specialized in industrial design. With Robert, Mark worked on the control center at NASA as well as on the machines. While working there he met some people who asked him to design their fashion showrooms. That’s when Mark left to start his own firm in the late 1980s.
The Business Today Mark runs his business from Dumbo, ‘Down Under theManhattan Bridge Overpass,” in New York. He fell in love with the interior of this 1920s building and converted it into his studio and store. Over the years Mark’s firm has had various employees, but now he staffs only about 25-30 people with backgrounds in branding, interior design, and architecture. They work all over in the industry including on homes, restaurants, condos, spas, rental units, townhomes, and apartments. Mark loves working all over and having a small firm. They do about 20 projects a year and some projects can last between eight months to three years. Branding is one of Mark’s passions. At fourteen he wanted to be a graphic designer so he looks at the world through a graphic eye. Mark runs a business that services everything you need designing furniture to fabrics and wallpaper. He uses branding as a huge tool in his business.
When Mark first started his firm he began by doing residential projects. The jobs he got were from people he met in nightclubs. His first big job was with Ann Baton, who came from a wealthy family and hung out with Andy Warhol. His transition to commercial design was by opening up a furniture store, that was similar to Design Within Reach. He imported furniture from Germany and Italy and also started designing his own furniture collection. A hotel business took notice and wanted to partner up with him. Mark’s first restaurant was the Red Cat on 23rd street. Later he worked on the Night Hotel, which really put him the map as a commercial designer. No else had done this kind of project before and to this day it is still called the sexiest hotel in New York City.
Mark opened a store in the 90s called Zeff Style but closed it after 9/11. He knew he wanted to open up another store again, so he gave a try in Brooklyn. BLACKBARN’s brand is to develop a home brand that has soul.
3D Rendering and Social Media Today in The Lounge, we are joined by Carla Espino, project manager of the 3D Rendering Department for Porcelanosa and Natalie Reddell, Commander In Chic. Nick and Carla discuss the process of having a 3D rendering made from Porcelanosa. Nick and Natalie talk about her start in interior design and how she got her nickname. They both let us know what they will be doing at High Point Market. Getting to Know Carla Carla works in New Jersey at Porcelanosa’s corporate headquarters. She works with everyone, from retailers, designers, to contractors. Carla went to school for Architecture in the Dominican Republic. She has worked for Porcelanosa for two and a half years. Porcelanosa’s FREE 3D Rendering Services 3D renderings are a complimentary service Porcelanosa offers to customers to visualize what a project will look like before it’s completed. Their products include cabinetry, plumbing fixtures, bathroom furniture, ceramic tile and flooring. Walk-in clients can go to the showroom and sit down with a design consultant who will talk them through products, materials, and finishes. It can be hard to visualize what a room is going to look like once everything is chosen, so a rendering is put together a with a few different options, such as vanities or countertop finishes. This helps the client make up their mind about what they want their space to look like. If you’re a designer, an architect, or anyone with a client, you simply send Porcelanosa your floor plan, elevations, and finishes, and they will send the rendering back to you and your client. It’s as simple as that. Nick’s OWN 2D Rendering Designs Nick sent in the floor plan and dimensions for his Master Bathroom and Porcelanosa sent back two potential designs to remodeled his bathroom with Porcelanosa products. Check them out below!! BEFORE:
AFTER!!!!!!!!!! <--- Getting to Know Natalie Natalie Reddell is the owner of Commander in Chic. Her favorite fashion accessory is handbags: if it’s sparkly she loves it! Natalie’s favorite room in her home is her dining room because her walls are Greece-ocean blue. Natalie loves decorating for her guests. She is from central Florida and now lives in Virginia. When asked beer, wine, or cocktail, she doesn’t drink so she prefers diet coke.
Natalie first got into interior design when she started remodeling her dollhouse at the age of four. She even used toothpaste caps as lampshades. She was also fascinated with psychology as a kid so she went to school with the intent of getting a psych degree, yet always found herself in design stores. Natalie is glad she studied psychology first because a huge part of design is taking mental care of your clients. She puts her heart into her designs and her clients love that. Natalie received her interior design degree at Florida State and did a Parson’s program in Paris for a semester. She works for herself and loves designing entire homes. Commander In Chic Commander In Chic came about as Natalie started reviewing products she’d bought on her Instagram account, which gained a following. She got the name from a nail polish that she loves. Her friend convinced her to start a blog and Natalie began using the hashtag #CommanderInChic. The rest is history: it’s been her brand ever since and she’s even trademarked it! It’s always the first hashtag she uses, so you could say it’s her signature too. Natalie loves hashtags so much that she bought a hashtag which appears in her posts quite often. It was rusty at first but she spray painted gold and put sequences on it. This is how her hashtag, #thegoldenhashtag, got its start. The Business Today
Natalie has two businesses: her interior design business and her golden hashtag business. She currently has about ten products, works on vacation homes and mostly does residential projects. Natalie will be at High Point Market for about a week but while she’s there her projects don’t take a backseat.
3D Rendering and Social Media Today in The Lounge, we are joined by Carla Espino, project manager of the 3D Rendering Department for Porcelanosa and Natalie Reddell, Commander In Chic. Nick and Carla discuss the process of having a 3D rendering made from Porcelanosa. Nick and Natalie talk about her start in interior design and how she got her nickname. They both let us know what they will be doing at High Point Market. Getting to Know Carla Carla works in New Jersey at Porcelanosa’s corporate headquarters. She works with everyone, from retailers, designers, to contractors. Carla went to school for Architecture in the Dominican Republic. She has worked for Porcelanosa for two and a half years. Porcelanosa’s FREE 3D Rendering Services 3D renderings are a complimentary service Porcelanosa offers to customers to visualize what a project will look like before it’s completed. Their products include cabinetry, plumbing fixtures, bathroom furniture, ceramic tile and flooring. Walk-in clients can go to the showroom and sit down with a design consultant who will talk them through products, materials, and finishes. It can be hard to visualize what a room is going to look like once everything is chosen, so a rendering is put together a with a few different options, such as vanities or countertop finishes. This helps the client make up their mind about what they want their space to look like. If you’re a designer, an architect, or anyone with a client, you simply send Porcelanosa your floor plan, elevations, and finishes, and they will send the rendering back to you and your client. It’s as simple as that. Nick’s OWN 2D Rendering Designs Nick sent in the floor plan and dimensions for his Master Bathroom and Porcelanosa sent back two potential designs to remodeled his bathroom with Porcelanosa products. Check them out below!! BEFORE:
AFTER!!!!!!!!!! <--- Getting to Know Natalie Natalie Reddell is the owner of Commander in Chic. Her favorite fashion accessory is handbags: if it’s sparkly she loves it! Natalie’s favorite room in her home is her dining room because her walls are Greece-ocean blue. Natalie loves decorating for her guests. She is from central Florida and now lives in Virginia. When asked beer, wine, or cocktail, she doesn’t drink so she prefers diet coke.
Natalie first got into interior design when she started remodeling her dollhouse at the age of four. She even used toothpaste caps as lampshades. She was also fascinated with psychology as a kid so she went to school with the intent of getting a psych degree, yet always found herself in design stores. Natalie is glad she studied psychology first because a huge part of design is taking mental care of your clients. She puts her heart into her designs and her clients love that. Natalie received her interior design degree at Florida State and did a Parson’s program in Paris for a semester. She works for herself and loves designing entire homes. Commander In Chic Commander In Chic came about as Natalie started reviewing products she’d bought on her Instagram account, which gained a following. She got the name from a nail polish that she loves. Her friend convinced her to start a blog and Natalie began using the hashtag #CommanderInChic. The rest is history: it’s been her brand ever since and she’s even trademarked it! It’s always the first hashtag she uses, so you could say it’s her signature too. Natalie loves hashtags so much that she bought a hashtag which appears in her posts quite often. It was rusty at first but she spray painted gold and put sequences on it. This is how her hashtag, #thegoldenhashtag, got its start. The Business Today
Natalie has two businesses: her interior design business and her golden hashtag business. She currently has about ten products, works on vacation homes and mostly does residential projects. Natalie will be at High Point Market for about a week but while she’s there her projects don’t take a backseat.
High Point Fall 2017 Market Preview Today in The Lounge, we are talking all about High Point! Janine Wagers is the Creative Director and Showroom Designer of the Universal Furniture Showroom in High Point, North Carolina. She joins us to discuss the best ways to prepare for Market. Lisa Kahn of Lisa Kahn Designs is the keynote speaker for Gail Doby’s Interior Design Summit and gives us an inside look on what she will be speaking about. As always, connect with us on our website, iTunes, Stitcher, Facebook and Instagram @thechaiselounge.
Nick has been on a mission to uncover how the 3D Rendering software at Porcelanosa works. He measured his bathroom and sent in pictures to Porcelanosa to design 2 different remodel prototypes, and the process only has a two day turn around! On the next episode, we will share an interview with Carla Espino to learn more about how this product works. Additionally, we will include the BIG REVEAL of Nick’s bathroom BEFORE and AFTER. Utilize this free service by going to Porcelanosa's website or by visiting your local showroom.
During High Point, Nick will be moderating a panel, Passion Sucks. It’s All About the Money!, at the Universal showroom, Saturday the 14th at 11:00 am. All of the designers Nick has spoken to are passionate about interior design, but that’s not what makes it or breaks it for them. So Nick will be asking Nina Magon of Contour Interior Design, Steven Favreau of Favreau Design, Kellie Ellis of Kelli Ellis Interior Design and Chad James of the Chad James Group: What does it really take to become successful? To RSVP and for a FULL list of The Chaise Lounge High Point Market events, visit our events page.
Meet Janine Janine Wagers joins Nick from High Point, North Carolina, furniture capital of the world. Her work as Create Directive and Showroom Designer concentrates on displaying Universal Furniture's products within the showroom in new and interesting ways. Market? WHAT DO I DO? Here's Janine's advice: As a designer, you have to figure out what you would like to accomplish at Market. Ask yourself, What are you here to see? What vendors would you like to visit? Are you buying furniture? Are you buying accessories? Are you here to establish new relationships with vendors? Or are you meeting with your existing vendors? Maybe you've never been to Market and are just here to grasp, what is High Point? (It's like regional markets....but on steroids). Think about what price points you want to look at and what styles. Anyone and everyone furniture connected is going to show at High Point SO you need to plan and narrow it down to what you want to focus on. There is no way you can make it to every showroom in 5 days, that's 11.5 million square feet of showrooms!
High Point Market's website has a full list of exhibitors so Janine says that you definitely want to prepare beforehand, look them up, and see which products fit into your style and price categories. You also want to target specific areas at Market, if one of your vendors is in an area, it's likely similar vendors will be there too. Get your geography down! Market is very spread out. Nick Janine advise to make a list of the vendors you want to see, so you can plan each day accordingly by location.
It's also important to know that there are accessory vendors that are preset (you go in and buy it like it is), but there are also places you can buy samples or one-of-a-kind pieces! You might want to take a day to just visit accessory companies EARLY ON and pick up samples or one-of-a-kind pieces, as those go quickly. It's always fun to have a treasure to bring back to a customer. You get to tell them that you located it in High Point and it's the only one of its kind. You'll have a good story to help you sell a piece or to let someone know you picked it out special for them. The Universal Showroom Universal exclusively makes and sells furniture, but they shop Market too, for accessories for the showroom and to continue thei...
High Point Fall 2017 Market Preview Today in The Lounge, we are talking all about High Point! Janine Wagers is the Creative Director and Showroom Designer of the Universal Furniture Showroom in High Point, North Carolina. She joins us to discuss the best ways to prepare for Market. Lisa Kahn of Lisa Kahn Designs is the keynote speaker for Gail Doby’s Interior Design Summit and gives us an inside look on what she will be speaking about. As always, connect with us on our website, iTunes, Stitcher, Facebook and Instagram @thechaiselounge.
Nick has been on a mission to uncover how the 3D Rendering software at Porcelanosa works. He measured his bathroom and sent in pictures to Porcelanosa to design 2 different remodel prototypes, and the process only has a two day turn around! On the next episode, we will share an interview with Carla Espino to learn more about how this product works. Additionally, we will include the BIG REVEAL of Nick’s bathroom BEFORE and AFTER. Utilize this free service by going to Porcelanosa's website or by visiting your local showroom.
During High Point, Nick will be moderating a panel, Passion Sucks. It’s All About the Money!, at the Universal showroom, Saturday the 14th at 11:00 am. All of the designers Nick has spoken to are passionate about interior design, but that’s not what makes it or breaks it for them. So Nick will be asking Nina Magon of Contour Interior Design, Steven Favreau of Favreau Design, Kellie Ellis of Kelli Ellis Interior Design and Chad James of the Chad James Group: What does it really take to become successful? To RSVP and for a FULL list of The Chaise Lounge High Point Market events, visit our events page.
Meet Janine Janine Wagers joins Nick from High Point, North Carolina, furniture capital of the world. Her work as Create Directive and Showroom Designer concentrates on displaying Universal Furniture's products within the showroom in new and interesting ways. Market? WHAT DO I DO? Here's Janine's advice: As a designer, you have to figure out what you would like to accomplish at Market. Ask yourself, What are you here to see? What vendors would you like to visit? Are you buying furniture? Are you buying accessories? Are you here to establish new relationships with vendors? Or are you meeting with your existing vendors? Maybe you've never been to Market and are just here to grasp, what is High Point? (It's like regional markets....but on steroids). Think about what price points you want to look at and what styles. Anyone and everyone furniture connected is going to show at High Point SO you need to plan and narrow it down to what you want to focus on. There is no way you can make it to every showroom in 5 days, that's 11.5 million square feet of showrooms!
High Point Market's website has a full list of exhibitors so Janine says that you definitely want to prepare beforehand, look them up, and see which products fit into your style and price categories. You also want to target specific areas at Market, if one of your vendors is in an area, it's likely similar vendors will be there too. Get your geography down! Market is very spread out. Nick Janine advise to make a list of the vendors you want to see, so you can plan each day accordingly by location.
It's also important to know that there are accessory vendors that are preset (you go in and buy it like it is), but there are also places you can buy samples or one-of-a-kind pieces! You might want to take a day to just visit accessory companies EARLY ON and pick up samples or one-of-a-kind pieces, as those go quickly. It's always fun to have a treasure to bring back to a customer. You get to tell them that you located it in High Point and it's the only one of its kind. You'll have a good story to help you sell a piece or to let someone know you picked it out special for them. The Universal Showroom Universal exclusively makes and sells furniture, but they shop Market too, for accessories for the showroom and to continue thei...
Las Vegas Market Live: Christopher Kennedy Today in The Lounge, Nick talks with Christopher Kennedy LIVE from the Las Vegas Market in the Zuo Decor Showroom. Christopher and Nick discuss Christopher's interior design past, how he runs his business with a team of four and advice for aspiring interior designers. Getting to know Christopher Christopher’s dream car is a Range Rover but right now he drives a Mini Cooper. His favorite color is green and his favorite fashion accessory is shoes. He also loves pocket squares. When he’s asked “Beer, wine, or cocktail?” Christopher responds with “a vodka soda.” Some of his favorite vacation spots are Jamaica, Aspen, Breckenridge, Hawaii and Puerto Vallarta. His favorite book he’s read in the last year is, The Magic and The Secret. Christopher’s dad gave him a lot of books before he passed away which he enjoys very much because it makes him feel like his dad is still with him. Christopher has recently launched a new art collection with Wendover Art Group which includes photography, paintings, collages and mixed media. How Christopher Got His Start Christopher wanted to be an Architect ever since he was about six or seven years old. His dad gave him his first book on Frank Lloyd Wright when he was about eight or nine. He was always drawing floor plans and elevations. Christopher went to school for a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture but about three years in, he realized it wasn’t exactly what he wanted to do. So he became a Disney Imagineer but, that didn’t work out either… After Christopher graduated, he was a stockbroker. He did that for a few years but wasn’t passionate about it either. So finally, in 2005 he moved to Palm Springs and reinvented himself. He went back to his roots in design and architecture.
Christopher grew up in San Francisco with his dad but later moved in with his mom who married a rocket scientist. They were transferred to Littleton, Colorado. Christopher still spent summers with his dad. Christopher received his first interior design job as an assistant to a project manager for Steve Chase Associates. While working for them he also worked a few side jobs and after nine months he believed he knew everything he needed to know to run his own business (at 28 years old). Thus, Christopher Kennedy Inc. was born. Although Christopher thought he knew everything back then, he says he’s still learning as he runs his business today. The Business Today Christopher Kennedy Inc only has four associates: himself, his husband David, his office coordinator Rosemary, and Joann who runs the retail division. He does have some part-time workers too. His retail location was added to the business three years ago. With it came added stress and extra expenses to Christopher’s life. On the other hand, the store attracted clients and made him more approachable. When the store first opened he stocked it with more of a couture collection, but now, he now focuses on design styles and affordable pieces. The store focuses all the little things people don’t realize that they need until they own a home. Christopher also has his own furniture line. He does about 80% of his projects in Palm Springs but also recently completed a job in Jamaica. His design aesthetic focuses more on a contemporary style with a twist of mid-century modern.
Christopher’s second book, Making Midcentury Modern was released in February 2017. It has 100 tips on how to bring style and ethos into your life. He was approached by a publisher who wanted a book on Midcentury Design. Writing a book did take time away from his clients, as well as money away from him that he could have been earning, but he’s proud to have his book published.
As far as marketing goes, Christopher receives clients mainly through referrals. Contrary to what you might think, his fame may have has cost him clients because people have told him they thought he was too busy or too expensive to do their home.
Las Vegas Market Live: Christopher Kennedy Today in The Lounge, Nick talks with Christopher Kennedy LIVE from the Las Vegas Market in the Zuo Decor Showroom. Christopher and Nick discuss Christopher's interior design past, how he runs his business with a team of four and advice for aspiring interior designers. Getting to know Christopher Christopher’s dream car is a Range Rover but right now he drives a Mini Cooper. His favorite color is green and his favorite fashion accessory is shoes. He also loves pocket squares. When he’s asked “Beer, wine, or cocktail?” Christopher responds with “a vodka soda.” Some of his favorite vacation spots are Jamaica, Aspen, Breckenridge, Hawaii and Puerto Vallarta. His favorite book he’s read in the last year is, The Magic and The Secret. Christopher’s dad gave him a lot of books before he passed away which he enjoys very much because it makes him feel like his dad is still with him. Christopher has recently launched a new art collection with Wendover Art Group which includes photography, paintings, collages and mixed media. How Christopher Got His Start Christopher wanted to be an Architect ever since he was about six or seven years old. His dad gave him his first book on Frank Lloyd Wright when he was about eight or nine. He was always drawing floor plans and elevations. Christopher went to school for a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture but about three years in, he realized it wasn’t exactly what he wanted to do. So he became a Disney Imagineer but, that didn’t work out either… After Christopher graduated, he was a stockbroker. He did that for a few years but wasn’t passionate about it either. So finally, in 2005 he moved to Palm Springs and reinvented himself. He went back to his roots in design and architecture.
Christopher grew up in San Francisco with his dad but later moved in with his mom who married a rocket scientist. They were transferred to Littleton, Colorado. Christopher still spent summers with his dad. Christopher received his first interior design job as an assistant to a project manager for Steve Chase Associates. While working for them he also worked a few side jobs and after nine months he believed he knew everything he needed to know to run his own business (at 28 years old). Thus, Christopher Kennedy Inc. was born. Although Christopher thought he knew everything back then, he says he’s still learning as he runs his business today. The Business Today Christopher Kennedy Inc only has four associates: himself, his husband David, his office coordinator Rosemary, and Joann who runs the retail division. He does have some part-time workers too. His retail location was added to the business three years ago. With it came added stress and extra expenses to Christopher’s life. On the other hand, the store attracted clients and made him more approachable. When the store first opened he stocked it with more of a couture collection, but now, he now focuses on design styles and affordable pieces. The store focuses all the little things people don’t realize that they need until they own a home. Christopher also has his own furniture line. He does about 80% of his projects in Palm Springs but also recently completed a job in Jamaica. His design aesthetic focuses more on a contemporary style with a twist of mid-century modern.
Christopher’s second book, Making Midcentury Modern was released in February 2017. It has 100 tips on how to bring style and ethos into your life. He was approached by a publisher who wanted a book on Midcentury Design. Writing a book did take time away from his clients, as well as money away from him that he could have been earning, but he’s proud to have his book published.
As far as marketing goes, Christopher receives clients mainly through referrals. Contrary to what you might think, his fame may have has cost him clients because people have told him they thought he was too busy or too expensive to do their home.
Las Vegas Market Live: Kelli Ellis Today in The Lounge, Kelli Ellis joins Nick LIVE in Las Vegas at the Norwalk Lounge. Kelli discusses how she was constantly being called a rockstar SO she took it ran and now being a rock star is her brand! Kelli tells us about the projects she’s currently working on and gives advice on how to brand yourself. Kelli and Nick also talk about their time together in Spain earlier this year and how Nick got started with The Chaise Lounge Podcast. Getting to Know Kelli Kelli is from Las Vegas, Nevada. Kelli’s hair used to be brown, but in high school, it started changing to silver and white so, she decided to embrace the look. Now she is known for her iconic white hair, as well as having a pair of glasses and wearing bold red lipstick. Her favorite fashion accessory is the wrist cuff, like Wonder Woman, (as it's her favorite movie). When asked beer, wine, or cocktail, she chooses a cocktail... any cocktail with vodka. Kelli lives in Vegas, but does work in Orange County where she grew up, and where her dad was mayor. She loves Iris Apfel. Kelli’s guilty pleasure is that she’d rather pick up a fashion magazine before an interior design one. What's New? Kelli debuted a small art collection for Leftbank Art last year. Drawing has been a passion of hers since she was a little girl: she would draw all over the walls and anything she could get her hands on (including her dad’s law school notebooks). Kelli originally went to law school like her father, though the transition to design came about because she often decorated her friend’s and family’s homes in college. Thus, she decided to switch paths and go to the Interior Design Institute in Newport Beach, California. Her very first client now lives two blocks from her and Kelli apologizes constantly for the okay job she did fresh out of design school.
Kelli tries not to plan what is coming next but she does set goals for herself. She likes to live her career day by day and hopes to have a tv show where she can talk about design and travel the world while doing it. To get to where she is, Kelli has listened to her gut a lot!
Kelli has been working on some tv projects for HGTV on House Hunters Renovation. She is also currently working on two hotels, one located in Colorado Springs and another in Bend, Oregon. She has a fabric line as well as a lighting line that is coming soon! So be on the lookout. She's scheduled to speak at Maison & Objet, in Paris AND to add to it all, Kelli is also working on some commissioned art pieces for Leftbank. The Business Today Kelli only has a staff of one, which is her assistant. She is able to manage her business this way because she is very good at time management and is diligent about her calendar. Kelli and her team only check their email twice a day; she believes that taking a breather from work and not overdoing it is one best things you can do for yourself and your business. She even set up an autoresponder informing anyone who emails her that she is not available and will get back to them as soon as she can.
Kelli is a designer who is not afraid to say no to new clients, because she knows that she will not have the necessary amount of time to give them right away, so, she puts new clients off for about six months. She finds this to be a good strategy for her and her prospective clients, as it gives them a chance to wait for her services, really think about what they want, and research her better. Kelli books herself full. Right now, she has three new construction projects, two hotels, tv work, licensing, and traveling time she's planning. Kelli doesn’t waste any time, even before the podcast she was picking out Kravet fabrics for a client!
Kelli is EVERYWHERE and she does it all without a PR agency. She handles everything herself. If you see a picture of Kelli out there it is because that picture speaks to her brand and who she is. She gets her name out there by calling up every head of marketing that she...
Las Vegas Market Live: Kelli Ellis Today in The Lounge, Kelli Ellis joins Nick LIVE in Las Vegas at the Norwalk Lounge. Kelli discusses how she was constantly being called a rockstar SO she took it ran and now being a rock star is her brand! Kelli tells us about the projects she’s currently working on and gives advice on how to brand yourself. Kelli and Nick also talk about their time together in Spain earlier this year and how Nick got started with The Chaise Lounge Podcast. Getting to Know Kelli Kelli is from Las Vegas, Nevada. Kelli’s hair used to be brown, but in high school, it started changing to silver and white so, she decided to embrace the look. Now she is known for her iconic white hair, as well as having a pair of glasses and wearing bold red lipstick. Her favorite fashion accessory is the wrist cuff, like Wonder Woman, (as it's her favorite movie). When asked beer, wine, or cocktail, she chooses a cocktail... any cocktail with vodka. Kelli lives in Vegas, but does work in Orange County where she grew up, and where her dad was mayor. She loves Iris Apfel. Kelli’s guilty pleasure is that she’d rather pick up a fashion magazine before an interior design one. What's New? Kelli debuted a small art collection for Leftbank Art last year. Drawing has been a passion of hers since she was a little girl: she would draw all over the walls and anything she could get her hands on (including her dad’s law school notebooks). Kelli originally went to law school like her father, though the transition to design came about because she often decorated her friend’s and family’s homes in college. Thus, she decided to switch paths and go to the Interior Design Institute in Newport Beach, California. Her very first client now lives two blocks from her and Kelli apologizes constantly for the okay job she did fresh out of design school.
Kelli tries not to plan what is coming next but she does set goals for herself. She likes to live her career day by day and hopes to have a tv show where she can talk about design and travel the world while doing it. To get to where she is, Kelli has listened to her gut a lot!
Kelli has been working on some tv projects for HGTV on House Hunters Renovation. She is also currently working on two hotels, one located in Colorado Springs and another in Bend, Oregon. She has a fabric line as well as a lighting line that is coming soon! So be on the lookout. She's scheduled to speak at Maison & Objet, in Paris AND to add to it all, Kelli is also working on some commissioned art pieces for Leftbank. The Business Today Kelli only has a staff of one, which is her assistant. She is able to manage her business this way because she is very good at time management and is diligent about her calendar. Kelli and her team only check their email twice a day; she believes that taking a breather from work and not overdoing it is one best things you can do for yourself and your business. She even set up an autoresponder informing anyone who emails her that she is not available and will get back to them as soon as she can.
Kelli is a designer who is not afraid to say no to new clients, because she knows that she will not have the necessary amount of time to give them right away, so, she puts new clients off for about six months. She finds this to be a good strategy for her and her prospective clients, as it gives them a chance to wait for her services, really think about what they want, and research her better. Kelli books herself full. Right now, she has three new construction projects, two hotels, tv work, licensing, and traveling time she's planning. Kelli doesn’t waste any time, even before the podcast she was picking out Kravet fabrics for a client!
Kelli is EVERYWHERE and she does it all without a PR agency. She handles everything herself. If you see a picture of Kelli out there it is because that picture speaks to her brand and who she is. She gets her name out there by calling up every head of marketing that she...
Las Vegas Market Live: Dann Foley Today in The Lounge, Nick talks with Dann Foley LIVE from the Phillips Collection Showroom at Las Vegas Market. Dann talks about how interior design entered his life as a kid, about how he runs his business with a staff of three, and he gives YOU advice for a successful life and career. Getting to Know Dann Dann’s favorite fashion accessory is a blazer, he wears them all the time, even while living in the desert. His favorite vacation spot is Paris, which he calls his other home. To quote Audrey Hepburn, “Paris is always a good idea.” Dann has more than one room that he wouldn’t put on Instagram because he prefers his privacy... he doesn’t put any interior pictures of his home up on social media. When asked beer, wine, or cocktail, Dann chooses "none" because he doesn’t drink and he never has. Dann only drinks water: living in Palm Springs, where this summer the temperature reached 122 degrees, you simply can not leave the house without a bottle of water. Drinking water all the time is also really good for the skin.
Dann is gone for at least part of every month, traveling about 45% of the year. His favorite place to travel for business is Vegas Market because there is always something to do. When traveling, he can’t be without his shoes. Even though Dann has accomplished a lot in interior design, he believes that there are still more plateaus to climb and always more to do and learn. How Dann Started in Interior Design Dann has always had an interest in interior design. His mom loves to tell the story that when he was a kid, his parents were afraid to go out to dinner because he would always rearrange the furniture when they left the house. As a result, his parents made sure he went to design school and got his degree. Dann went to Drexel University in Philadelphia. The idea of design school there is:' if you don’t have good taste, we can’t teach it to you.' They show you everything you need to know in order to work as a professional in the industry. At Drexel, he went to school year-around and worked in the industry for a paid position. Dann was given an interview for this job through their placement office. He worked at the design firm while in school and when he graduated he was offered a job there, but turned it down to pursue his own business.
Dann has always looked really young. When he graduated from his university he met up with some clients, the builder and the general contractor, walked into the meeting and everyone’s jaws dropped. He looked too young to be the designer. His very first client was a friend of his parents whom he worked with while he was still in school to get extra credit for his degree. Dann's first client outside of school was a developer, who built resorts. The Business Today Dann’s firm is called Dann Inc., they are primarily an interior design firm, though today he would call Dann Inc. a lifestyle design business. Over the years, when you get involved in doing someone’s home, clients love having the full experience. Dann Inc. delivers a very personal touch, they weren’t just giving people rooms, they were giving them a whole new life. Dann has never just done a single room for a client because afterward, the client will want their entire home done, right down to their closet and the wardrobe. Dann Inc. will even plan the parties to show off the client’s new home, from designing the invitations to doing the catering menus and wardrobes.
Dann launched his own product line, Dann Foley Lifestyle, about four years ago. It coincided with the NBC’s premiere of American Dream Builders, hosted by Nate Berkus. Dann’s first product launch was with Phillips Collection. He has a brand new collection being launched at High Point this October. His products are about people being able to take his pieces and layer them with your own pieces of art. These are collections you are supposed to play with and make your own.
Dann only has three full-time staff members and ...
Las Vegas Market Live: Dann Foley Today in The Lounge, Nick talks with Dann Foley LIVE from the Phillips Collection Showroom at Las Vegas Market. Dann talks about how interior design entered his life as a kid, about how he runs his business with a staff of three, and he gives YOU advice for a successful life and career. Getting to Know Dann Dann’s favorite fashion accessory is a blazer, he wears them all the time, even while living in the desert. His favorite vacation spot is Paris, which he calls his other home. To quote Audrey Hepburn, “Paris is always a good idea.” Dann has more than one room that he wouldn’t put on Instagram because he prefers his privacy... he doesn’t put any interior pictures of his home up on social media. When asked beer, wine, or cocktail, Dann chooses "none" because he doesn’t drink and he never has. Dann only drinks water: living in Palm Springs, where this summer the temperature reached 122 degrees, you simply can not leave the house without a bottle of water. Drinking water all the time is also really good for the skin.
Dann is gone for at least part of every month, traveling about 45% of the year. His favorite place to travel for business is Vegas Market because there is always something to do. When traveling, he can’t be without his shoes. Even though Dann has accomplished a lot in interior design, he believes that there are still more plateaus to climb and always more to do and learn. How Dann Started in Interior Design Dann has always had an interest in interior design. His mom loves to tell the story that when he was a kid, his parents were afraid to go out to dinner because he would always rearrange the furniture when they left the house. As a result, his parents made sure he went to design school and got his degree. Dann went to Drexel University in Philadelphia. The idea of design school there is:' if you don’t have good taste, we can’t teach it to you.' They show you everything you need to know in order to work as a professional in the industry. At Drexel, he went to school year-around and worked in the industry for a paid position. Dann was given an interview for this job through their placement office. He worked at the design firm while in school and when he graduated he was offered a job there, but turned it down to pursue his own business.
Dann has always looked really young. When he graduated from his university he met up with some clients, the builder and the general contractor, walked into the meeting and everyone’s jaws dropped. He looked too young to be the designer. His very first client was a friend of his parents whom he worked with while he was still in school to get extra credit for his degree. Dann's first client outside of school was a developer, who built resorts. The Business Today Dann’s firm is called Dann Inc., they are primarily an interior design firm, though today he would call Dann Inc. a lifestyle design business. Over the years, when you get involved in doing someone’s home, clients love having the full experience. Dann Inc. delivers a very personal touch, they weren’t just giving people rooms, they were giving them a whole new life. Dann has never just done a single room for a client because afterward, the client will want their entire home done, right down to their closet and the wardrobe. Dann Inc. will even plan the parties to show off the client’s new home, from designing the invitations to doing the catering menus and wardrobes.
Dann launched his own product line, Dann Foley Lifestyle, about four years ago. It coincided with the NBC’s premiere of American Dream Builders, hosted by Nate Berkus. Dann’s first product launch was with Phillips Collection. He has a brand new collection being launched at High Point this October. His products are about people being able to take his pieces and layer them with your own pieces of art. These are collections you are supposed to play with and make your own.
Dann only has three full-time staff members and ...
Las Vegas Market LIVE: Barrie Livingstone On this episode of The Lounge, Nick joins us LIVE from Las Vegas Market at Zuo Modern's Tiki Bar with designer Barrie Livingstone. Barrie designs high-end million dollar homes and he LOVES his job: he was born to do it. On the episode, Barrie tells us stories about some of his celebrity clients, as well as about past projects he worked on around the world. Getting to Know Barrie When Barrie is asked beer, wine or, cocktail it’s always a cocktail; usually a clear drink like vodka or tequila. Originally from Manchester, England Barrie moved to Miami as a teenager at 14 years old. His career started in Miami Beach however he now lives in Malibu, California. Barrie also previously lived in Malaysia and Dubai for two years. He has been to 51 countries and 37 states and he always counts where he goes. Barrie loves to go back to the same places and finds himself a lot in the Caribbean, South America, and Italy. Capri & Amalfi are his favorite cities in Italy. Barrie's favorite fashion accessories are shoes and socks. The most recent movie he’s seen is Best Friends with Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn.
Barrie’s favorite celebrity he has worked for is Dwayne Johnson, who he met in first class on a plane over Thanksgiving in Fort Lauderdale. After that, Barrie ended up designing his home. Barrie says that one of the best places to network and meet clients is in first class on a plane and this is where he’s met several of his clients. How Barrie got into Interior Design If you go to Barrie's website it says “Barrie Livingstone since 1968” because he really feels like design is something he was born to do. As a child, he was obsessed with how people lived in Old English Manor houses with smaller furniture, smaller door heights, and smaller everything. Barrie thought he wanted to be an actor but instead, he acts out his fantasies with his clients doing interior design. He attended the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and got a four-year degree while he was working full-time. Barrie started working in January 1987 and his first day of school was in April 1987. This year he’s celebrating his 30th anniversary of doing Interior Design. Barrie's first job outside of school was for a gentlemen in Parkland, Florida who owned those 1-900 and 976 "naughty" numbers back in the 80s.
After 7 years in Fort Lauderdale with the South Beach Design Group, Barrie realized he wanted to do bigger things out west and left for California. His dream was always to do television and movie star homes. One of his friends from design school worked on Versace’s house and then started working on Cher’s house, a 16,000 square foot home. Barrie went to visit the home and little did he know 6 months later he would be working on Cher's house too, his first client in LA. He spent 8 months working on the home with 85 other people but working with Cher was easy, as she was very particular and knew exactly what she wanted. Barrie tells us that when working with a celebrity you feel very empowered because you’re at the beck and call of this powerful person.
The Business Today One of Barrie's current projects is for a friend who just bought a 9 million dollar home. Barrie also just got back from Panama working on a big project. He can’t say much about because he signed a non-disclosure agreement, but his work will be a global television project coming soon.
When Barrie was in High Point being interviewed for the "Ask a Designer" show with The Design Network, one of the questions he was asked was, 'What is the craziest thing a client has asked for?' This didn't happen to him but to his assistant. Barrie was designing a penthouse for a client who happened to be gay and wanted a giant four post bed. There was some kind of material that needed to be dropped off at the house and Barrie told his assistant, fresh out of school, 22 years old, to do it. As she was walking in the client asked her to come up the bedroom and told her to tell B...
Las Vegas Market LIVE: Barrie Livingstone On this episode of The Lounge, Nick joins us LIVE from Las Vegas Market at Zuo Modern's Tiki Bar with designer Barrie Livingstone. Barrie designs high-end million dollar homes and he LOVES his job: he was born to do it. On the episode, Barrie tells us stories about some of his celebrity clients, as well as about past projects he worked on around the world. Getting to Know Barrie When Barrie is asked beer, wine or, cocktail it’s always a cocktail; usually a clear drink like vodka or tequila. Originally from Manchester, England Barrie moved to Miami as a teenager at 14 years old. His career started in Miami Beach however he now lives in Malibu, California. Barrie also previously lived in Malaysia and Dubai for two years. He has been to 51 countries and 37 states and he always counts where he goes. Barrie loves to go back to the same places and finds himself a lot in the Caribbean, South America, and Italy. Capri & Amalfi are his favorite cities in Italy. Barrie's favorite fashion accessories are shoes and socks. The most recent movie he’s seen is Best Friends with Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn.
Barrie’s favorite celebrity he has worked for is Dwayne Johnson, who he met in first class on a plane over Thanksgiving in Fort Lauderdale. After that, Barrie ended up designing his home. Barrie says that one of the best places to network and meet clients is in first class on a plane and this is where he’s met several of his clients. How Barrie got into Interior Design If you go to Barrie's website it says “Barrie Livingstone since 1968” because he really feels like design is something he was born to do. As a child, he was obsessed with how people lived in Old English Manor houses with smaller furniture, smaller door heights, and smaller everything. Barrie thought he wanted to be an actor but instead, he acts out his fantasies with his clients doing interior design. He attended the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and got a four-year degree while he was working full-time. Barrie started working in January 1987 and his first day of school was in April 1987. This year he’s celebrating his 30th anniversary of doing Interior Design. Barrie's first job outside of school was for a gentlemen in Parkland, Florida who owned those 1-900 and 976 "naughty" numbers back in the 80s.
After 7 years in Fort Lauderdale with the South Beach Design Group, Barrie realized he wanted to do bigger things out west and left for California. His dream was always to do television and movie star homes. One of his friends from design school worked on Versace’s house and then started working on Cher’s house, a 16,000 square foot home. Barrie went to visit the home and little did he know 6 months later he would be working on Cher's house too, his first client in LA. He spent 8 months working on the home with 85 other people but working with Cher was easy, as she was very particular and knew exactly what she wanted. Barrie tells us that when working with a celebrity you feel very empowered because you’re at the beck and call of this powerful person.
The Business Today One of Barrie's current projects is for a friend who just bought a 9 million dollar home. Barrie also just got back from Panama working on a big project. He can’t say much about because he signed a non-disclosure agreement, but his work will be a global television project coming soon.
When Barrie was in High Point being interviewed for the "Ask a Designer" show with The Design Network, one of the questions he was asked was, 'What is the craziest thing a client has asked for?' This didn't happen to him but to his assistant. Barrie was designing a penthouse for a client who happened to be gay and wanted a giant four post bed. There was some kind of material that needed to be dropped off at the house and Barrie told his assistant, fresh out of school, 22 years old, to do it. As she was walking in the client asked her to come up the bedroom and told her to tell B...
Cheryl Durst: From School Teacher to CEO of IIDA Today in The Lounge, we have a special guest. She's not a designer... but she is one of the biggest movers and shakers in the interior design world. Welcome Cheryl Durst: savior and CEO of IIDA. Find out how Cheryl went from school teacher to CEO and how she saved The International Interior Design Association (IIDA). Changing the Furniture Manufacturing World One Hinge at a Time Benchmade Modern is trying to disrupt the furniture manufacturing world by providing quality furniture at a reasonable price. Not only quality furniture but CUSTOM products at regular prices as well! Whether a customer comes to the interior designer to use the designer discount code or goes straight to Benchmade modern themselves, their services are available!
Learn more about Benchmade Modern and their Trade Program at www.benchmademodern.com Getting to Know Cheryl Cheryl joins us from Chicago but she's usually on the road traveling about 35-40 weeks a year. Cheryl grew up in Toledo, Ohio, and went to school at Boston University for Journalism and Economics with a minor in Art History. After Cheryl graduated she moved to Washington, DC where she became a substitute teacher. One of the parents of her students liked the way she managed her class, as well as her level of enthusiasm, and asked if she ever thought about a career in sales. Bada bing bada boom, he hired her at Westinghouse Furniture Systems where she wrote product literature and worked as the showroom manager. Cheryl became very involved in the commercial side of design. Afterward, she was whisked away to work in marketing at the Washington Design Center. Interior design legislation was coming to the forefront in DC and Maryland so Cheryl was in charge of putting together curriculum and continuing education courses to satisfy those jurisdictions and requirements for designers. Later she was transferred to Chicago with her husband who worked for the Merchandise Mart as a trade show specialist. By now they had their first child, so Cheryl decided she could take a part-time job with two-year-old IIDA. She was hired to be the Director of Education and little did she know, 3 years later Cheryl would be CEO.
This is Cheryl's 20th year with IIDA and her 17th as CEO. Her quick transition to CEO was brought about because of financial issues with the organization. The Board of Directors came to Cheryl and asked if she wanted to step into "fix it." They needed a complete financial turnaround, IIDA was essentially bankrupt and was going to cease to exist. So Cheryl worked to make big changes like instituting an annual audit - nothing sexy at all- but all necessary to build sound infrastructure for an organization. Cheryl had always intended to go back to school for her MBA but ended up having on the job training for a real-life MBA AND she did ALL OF THIS while she was months PREGNANT. IIDA's Mission IIDA is a professional membership organization that has created an international network to connect members worldwide and most importantly, advance the profession of interior design. IIDA connects and creates a community to educate designers about the incredibly complex profession. Cheryl says that interior design is growing evolutionary leaps and bounds, as humans demand so much from the spaces we inhabit: from hospital rooms to homes, to hotel rooms. The people who create those spaces should be and be seen as utmost professionals. When it comes to creating a physical space there are so many choices: Do you use an architect, a contractor, a decorator, or an interior designer?
IIDA promotes the profession of interior design by talking about its value. Interior Designers have the challenge of explaining their value to clients. Cheryl relays that we live in a world that loves design, without being able to articulate the value that design brings. We know that people feel better in a well-designed place and children learn more effectively in a well-designe...
Cheryl Durst: From School Teacher to CEO of IIDA Today in The Lounge, we have a special guest. She's not a designer... but she is one of the biggest movers and shakers in the interior design world. Welcome Cheryl Durst: savior and CEO of IIDA. Find out how Cheryl went from school teacher to CEO and how she saved The International Interior Design Association (IIDA). Changing the Furniture Manufacturing World One Hinge at a Time Benchmade Modern is trying to disrupt the furniture manufacturing world by providing quality furniture at a reasonable price. Not only quality furniture but CUSTOM products at regular prices as well! Whether a customer comes to the interior designer to use the designer discount code or goes straight to Benchmade modern themselves, their services are available!
Learn more about Benchmade Modern and their Trade Program at www.benchmademodern.com Getting to Know Cheryl Cheryl joins us from Chicago but she's usually on the road traveling about 35-40 weeks a year. Cheryl grew up in Toledo, Ohio, and went to school at Boston University for Journalism and Economics with a minor in Art History. After Cheryl graduated she moved to Washington, DC where she became a substitute teacher. One of the parents of her students liked the way she managed her class, as well as her level of enthusiasm, and asked if she ever thought about a career in sales. Bada bing bada boom, he hired her at Westinghouse Furniture Systems where she wrote product literature and worked as the showroom manager. Cheryl became very involved in the commercial side of design. Afterward, she was whisked away to work in marketing at the Washington Design Center. Interior design legislation was coming to the forefront in DC and Maryland so Cheryl was in charge of putting together curriculum and continuing education courses to satisfy those jurisdictions and requirements for designers. Later she was transferred to Chicago with her husband who worked for the Merchandise Mart as a trade show specialist. By now they had their first child, so Cheryl decided she could take a part-time job with two-year-old IIDA. She was hired to be the Director of Education and little did she know, 3 years later Cheryl would be CEO.
This is Cheryl's 20th year with IIDA and her 17th as CEO. Her quick transition to CEO was brought about because of financial issues with the organization. The Board of Directors came to Cheryl and asked if she wanted to step into "fix it." They needed a complete financial turnaround, IIDA was essentially bankrupt and was going to cease to exist. So Cheryl worked to make big changes like instituting an annual audit - nothing sexy at all- but all necessary to build sound infrastructure for an organization. Cheryl had always intended to go back to school for her MBA but ended up having on the job training for a real-life MBA AND she did ALL OF THIS while she was months PREGNANT. IIDA's Mission IIDA is a professional membership organization that has created an international network to connect members worldwide and most importantly, advance the profession of interior design. IIDA connects and creates a community to educate designers about the incredibly complex profession. Cheryl says that interior design is growing evolutionary leaps and bounds, as humans demand so much from the spaces we inhabit: from hospital rooms to homes, to hotel rooms. The people who create those spaces should be and be seen as utmost professionals. When it comes to creating a physical space there are so many choices: Do you use an architect, a contractor, a decorator, or an interior designer?
IIDA promotes the profession of interior design by talking about its value. Interior Designers have the challenge of explaining their value to clients. Cheryl relays that we live in a world that loves design, without being able to articulate the value that design brings. We know that people feel better in a well-designed place and children learn more effectively in a well-designe...
Amber Golob: Accountant Turned Interior Designer Today in The Lounge, Nick talks with Amber Golob, accountant turned interior designer, as well as Neil MacKenzie of Universal Furniture. Amber Golob has a marketing tactic that brings in TOO much business so you’ll want to hear about it. Nick tells us what you can expect from the Universal Furniture Showroom at the Fall High Point Market. What is Universal to the Trade? Neil is the Marketing Manager of Universal Furniture. He joins us from High Point, North Carolina, the epicenter of Interior Design. The Universal showroom is located downtown High Point and their corporate offices are right down the road (off Highway 68) which connect to their warehouse as well.
Universal consists of three brands, Universal Furniture, Smartstuff, and Universal to the Trade. Universal to the Trade is a new program that launched 2 and a half years ago with exclusive products available only to designers in the industry. There is no order minimum, for all orders, and the prices include freight! With Universal to the Trade’s online system, you can check past order history, easily navigate the website, build a library AND it’s mobile-friendly. Order what you see, and that is what you get. You will receive up to date notifications of where your order is. The turnaround time for a product to be shipped is on average 14 days. Call the design line to order samples now! Universal to the Trade’s focus is on giving designers an easy one-stop shop, so they would love YOUR feedback.
Universal Furniture has one of the biggest showrooms at High Point, over 18,000 square feet. During Market, they will be doing breakfast, lunch, and cocktails so come by, charge your phone, kick back and relax! The showroom is also filled with natural light, fun music, and food so it will be a great place to hang out. You can see the schedule of events at their learning center during High Point Market here. This INCLUDES Nick's talk, "PASSION SUCKS. It's All About the Money." So don't forget to stop by!
If you want to find Nick at Market, he most likely will be hanging out in his Universal Furniture "office" so go visit!! Nick also wants to have breakfast with YOU so join him in the Universal Furniture Showroom on Saturday 10/14to say hi!
You can find out more about Universal to the Tade by going to their website or following them Instagram and Twitter. Getting to Know Amber Amber Golob lives in Chicago and her studio is in Evanston, Illinois. Her favorite movie she’s seen in the last year is Wonder Woman and her favorite childhood memory is when she would clean the house and rearrange the furniture every Saturday with her mother. Amber is originally from Osage, Iowa. She grew up on a large acreage in the woods playing outside - an idyllic childhood. Her favorite fashion accessory is earrings because they can complete any outfit. She and her family don’t vacation in the same spot twice, they are explorers and like to go somewhere new each time. When she is asked beer, wine, or cocktail, Amber prefers a cocktail with gin.
How Amber Went from Accounting to Design Amber’s interest in interior design started as a little girl when she rearranged the furniture with her mom (to this day she still purges and rearranges when she is stressed). She went to school for Business and later became a practicing accountant, but realized it wasn’t her passion. To be in finance, Amber says, you need to be interested in how money works, and not what it does; and she wasn’t. So she set out to marry her passion with having a business and went back to school to get a Fine Arts degree at Harrington College of Design in Chicago.
A lot of people want to go back school for Interior Design but know that it can be a difficult challenge as you grow older. Amber was married and pregnant with her first child when she went back to get her Fine Arts degree. Her husband was very supportive to her career switch and understood she needed to follow her pa...
Amber Golob: Accountant Turned Interior Designer Today in The Lounge, Nick talks with Amber Golob, accountant turned interior designer, as well as Neil MacKenzie of Universal Furniture. Amber Golob has a marketing tactic that brings in TOO much business so you’ll want to hear about it. Nick tells us what you can expect from the Universal Furniture Showroom at the Fall High Point Market. What is Universal to the Trade? Neil is the Marketing Manager of Universal Furniture. He joins us from High Point, North Carolina, the epicenter of Interior Design. The Universal showroom is located downtown High Point and their corporate offices are right down the road (off Highway 68) which connect to their warehouse as well.
Universal consists of three brands, Universal Furniture, Smartstuff, and Universal to the Trade. Universal to the Trade is a new program that launched 2 and a half years ago with exclusive products available only to designers in the industry. There is no order minimum, for all orders, and the prices include freight! With Universal to the Trade’s online system, you can check past order history, easily navigate the website, build a library AND it’s mobile-friendly. Order what you see, and that is what you get. You will receive up to date notifications of where your order is. The turnaround time for a product to be shipped is on average 14 days. Call the design line to order samples now! Universal to the Trade’s focus is on giving designers an easy one-stop shop, so they would love YOUR feedback.
Universal Furniture has one of the biggest showrooms at High Point, over 18,000 square feet. During Market, they will be doing breakfast, lunch, and cocktails so come by, charge your phone, kick back and relax! The showroom is also filled with natural light, fun music, and food so it will be a great place to hang out. You can see the schedule of events at their learning center during High Point Market here. This INCLUDES Nick's talk, "PASSION SUCKS. It's All About the Money." So don't forget to stop by!
If you want to find Nick at Market, he most likely will be hanging out in his Universal Furniture "office" so go visit!! Nick also wants to have breakfast with YOU so join him in the Universal Furniture Showroom on Saturday 10/14to say hi!
You can find out more about Universal to the Tade by going to their website or following them Instagram and Twitter. Getting to Know Amber Amber Golob lives in Chicago and her studio is in Evanston, Illinois. Her favorite movie she’s seen in the last year is Wonder Woman and her favorite childhood memory is when she would clean the house and rearrange the furniture every Saturday with her mother. Amber is originally from Osage, Iowa. She grew up on a large acreage in the woods playing outside - an idyllic childhood. Her favorite fashion accessory is earrings because they can complete any outfit. She and her family don’t vacation in the same spot twice, they are explorers and like to go somewhere new each time. When she is asked beer, wine, or cocktail, Amber prefers a cocktail with gin.
How Amber Went from Accounting to Design Amber’s interest in interior design started as a little girl when she rearranged the furniture with her mom (to this day she still purges and rearranges when she is stressed). She went to school for Business and later became a practicing accountant, but realized it wasn’t her passion. To be in finance, Amber says, you need to be interested in how money works, and not what it does; and she wasn’t. So she set out to marry her passion with having a business and went back to school to get a Fine Arts degree at Harrington College of Design in Chicago.
A lot of people want to go back school for Interior Design but know that it can be a difficult challenge as you grow older. Amber was married and pregnant with her first child when she went back to get her Fine Arts degree. Her husband was very supportive to her career switch and understood she needed to follow her pa...
Industry: Interns! Interns! Interns! Benjamin Moore Paints continue to be the best on the market. It's the only paint Nick May uses and believe us, he has used and tested them ALL. Benjamin Moore is the BEST there is for the dollar investment. As a designer, make sure your painting contractor uses the right product, not something cheaper because it might not hold up. Unfortunately, if something does go wrong with the paint in a client's home, it's usually YOU on the line, not the painter. So make sure the contractor is using the EXACT product you are specifying so that they don't go with something inferior. Also, if you don't have a Benjamin Moore architect and design color kit, reach out to Nick on the Question? tab and he will make sure one is shipped to you at NO cost!
Today on The Lounge, Phyllis Harbinger joins Nick from her outdoor office on her very own chaise lounge. Design Manager has started a social media campaign to support designers making purchases and Phyllis has hopped on board! When customers buy online, they are not getting the same type of service designers provide to their clients. Additionally, if you buy from a big box store at a cheaper price, it's not just cheaper because they buy in bulk but also because they use different parts that aren't the same quality. Phyllis has since blasted her social media channels to support the campaign and gave a shout out to her trusted vendors. The relationship that designers have with their vendors is taking care of the designer and their clients as well as championing their design process and endeavors. That doesn't happen to a client who goes online and buys something. Phyllis is advocating for designers to step up and educate their clients! Interior design is not a commodity, but a value-added service. Go take a look at Design Manager's campaign on social media with the hashtag #designmyths. Phyllis is also hosting a webinar with Design Manager on September 7th so go sign up here and join in!
Interns! Interns! Interns! Phyllis started using interns back in 2004 when she was in the early stages of her career and could not fill a full-time position. She had two interns who worked two days a week as 3rd-year students. They went to job sites and did everything, mirrored her AND helped her. Hiring interns is an amazing experience for a small business to grow their team. Furthermore, if the internship goes well, it's a great idea to keep he/she on the team so they can start them full-time when they graduate. Even if they're not the right fit for your company, the experience helps them to get other jobs outside of it and enriches your practice too. Phyllis' interns usually stay with her for 3 years and after the first year, they come on board full-time. In terms of compensation, the first year starts out with paid expenses and the second year transitions to a paid internship. If your school has an internship course like FIT, you can get school- credit for it as well.
Not all schools have internship programs but Phyllis believes that every student should seek out an internship no matter what. They give you perspective and incredible work experience. So if you are a student and don't already have one, seek out the opportunity because so much value is added to your entire educational experience. Work for experience, not for free. What should students look for in an internship? Look at firms whose company culture and vibe you like. Look at the kind of work they do, the size of their office, and their values. Think about what YOUR unique brilliances are. As an intern, you will likely be asked to do more than what you are best at, but it's important to highlight what you ARE best at in your resume. Think about all of the experience and education you will get out of the opportunity: designing, sketching, attending meetings, fabric shopping, working on installations, seeing through deliveries, creating proposals and invoices, seeing projects reach fruition,
Industry: Interns! Interns! Interns! Benjamin Moore Paints continue to be the best on the market. It's the only paint Nick May uses and believe us, he has used and tested them ALL. Benjamin Moore is the BEST there is for the dollar investment. As a designer, make sure your painting contractor uses the right product, not something cheaper because it might not hold up. Unfortunately, if something does go wrong with the paint in a client's home, it's usually YOU on the line, not the painter. So make sure the contractor is using the EXACT product you are specifying so that they don't go with something inferior. Also, if you don't have a Benjamin Moore architect and design color kit, reach out to Nick on the Question? tab and he will make sure one is shipped to you at NO cost!
Today on The Lounge, Phyllis Harbinger joins Nick from her outdoor office on her very own chaise lounge. Design Manager has started a social media campaign to support designers making purchases and Phyllis has hopped on board! When customers buy online, they are not getting the same type of service designers provide to their clients. Additionally, if you buy from a big box store at a cheaper price, it's not just cheaper because they buy in bulk but also because they use different parts that aren't the same quality. Phyllis has since blasted her social media channels to support the campaign and gave a shout out to her trusted vendors. The relationship that designers have with their vendors is taking care of the designer and their clients as well as championing their design process and endeavors. That doesn't happen to a client who goes online and buys something. Phyllis is advocating for designers to step up and educate their clients! Interior design is not a commodity, but a value-added service. Go take a look at Design Manager's campaign on social media with the hashtag #designmyths. Phyllis is also hosting a webinar with Design Manager on September 7th so go sign up here and join in!
Interns! Interns! Interns! Phyllis started using interns back in 2004 when she was in the early stages of her career and could not fill a full-time position. She had two interns who worked two days a week as 3rd-year students. They went to job sites and did everything, mirrored her AND helped her. Hiring interns is an amazing experience for a small business to grow their team. Furthermore, if the internship goes well, it's a great idea to keep he/she on the team so they can start them full-time when they graduate. Even if they're not the right fit for your company, the experience helps them to get other jobs outside of it and enriches your practice too. Phyllis' interns usually stay with her for 3 years and after the first year, they come on board full-time. In terms of compensation, the first year starts out with paid expenses and the second year transitions to a paid internship. If your school has an internship course like FIT, you can get school- credit for it as well.
Not all schools have internship programs but Phyllis believes that every student should seek out an internship no matter what. They give you perspective and incredible work experience. So if you are a student and don't already have one, seek out the opportunity because so much value is added to your entire educational experience. Work for experience, not for free. What should students look for in an internship? Look at firms whose company culture and vibe you like. Look at the kind of work they do, the size of their office, and their values. Think about what YOUR unique brilliances are. As an intern, you will likely be asked to do more than what you are best at, but it's important to highlight what you ARE best at in your resume. Think about all of the experience and education you will get out of the opportunity: designing, sketching, attending meetings, fabric shopping, working on installations, seeing through deliveries, creating proposals and invoices, seeing projects reach fruition,
Ann Lowengart: Interiors Started on a Dare Today in The Lounge Nick joins Ann Lowengart of Ann Lowengart Design to talk about how her interior design business started on a dare. Ann and Nick discuss the importance of having a great staff on your side and how it helps propels your business. Getting to Know Ann A career can really feed your soul. For Ann, it does just that. She loves client interactions, design, business, and operations. She says that understanding that a love for her career can be more than just a paycheck, is the biggest lesson she learned from her parents growing up. Her favorite vacation she took was when she brought her daughter, an equestrian, to ride in Ireland. When Ann is asked, "Beer, wine or cocktail?" she prefers an iced tea and a run.
Before she started her career in interior design, Ann was in corporate sales and attended UC Berkeley. She received the classic sales job after college and worked for Procter and Gamble. She says it was a really great experience for her because she rose up the ranks from stocking shelves to managing a small group of people. It was a great way to learn the basics of business and how to sell effectively, manage a team, listen carefully to her customers, behave in the most ethical and honest way and win at what you are doing. I Dare You! After five years, Ann took a severance package from P&G, which she and her used husband to buy a building. Ann remodeled the units in the building and then sold them. It was in the first unit that she discovered her love for wood floors and molding. She also found that she had an eye for spatial relationships and detail. Ann’s friend noticed that she LOVED what she did with the remodel and dared her to put "Remodel Consultant" on her business card. Ann did and the next day at her open house she handed them out and received her first call. She booked her second project from a neighbor who also picked up one of her business cards and now, almost twenty years later, she has finished her fourth project for that family.
The Business Today Ann has a team that consists of nine to fifteen people. At any given moment they might also have nine to twelve luxury residential projects going on at a time. Decorating a home from the ground up can take one to two years to complete, but allows Ann to get to know her clients really well. She prides herself on customer service. Projects at Ann’s company can vary greatly in price. A lot of customers are under the impression that remodels work like they do on HGTV. Some kind of magic wand is waved around and poof! The project is done. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works in real life. Ann had the opportunity to be interviewed by HGTV and one of the first things he did was apologize for the expectations HGTV sets... rarely anything can be finished super quickly for a reasonable price.
For this reason, Ann’s company gives a lengthy questionnaire process to be sure a client fits within her company. They have walked away from clients if they can’t meet their budget and timeframe scenarios because they'd rather not do a disservice to the client or the company. If they do accept a brand new client, they first listen carefully to the client's design expectations and look at any Pinterest boards, design boards, or tear sheets they may have in order to stick as closely to what the client wants as possible. After the customer is taken on a shopping trip to see which levels of quality exist within their budget. A specific budget is developed to include everything from furniture, draperies, area rugs, accessories, art, and any extra costs associated with projects so the client knows where their money is going. They do not move forward unless the client is on the same page as them. Ann and Coupar PR Coupar PR is very strategic as well as ethical and honest. Krista’s staff is also excellent in getting Ann's name out there such as in magazines. When Ann first joined Houzz in 2010,
Ann Lowengart: Interiors Started on a Dare Today in The Lounge Nick joins Ann Lowengart of Ann Lowengart Design to talk about how her interior design business started on a dare. Ann and Nick discuss the importance of having a great staff on your side and how it helps propels your business. Getting to Know Ann A career can really feed your soul. For Ann, it does just that. She loves client interactions, design, business, and operations. She says that understanding that a love for her career can be more than just a paycheck, is the biggest lesson she learned from her parents growing up. Her favorite vacation she took was when she brought her daughter, an equestrian, to ride in Ireland. When Ann is asked, "Beer, wine or cocktail?" she prefers an iced tea and a run.
Before she started her career in interior design, Ann was in corporate sales and attended UC Berkeley. She received the classic sales job after college and worked for Procter and Gamble. She says it was a really great experience for her because she rose up the ranks from stocking shelves to managing a small group of people. It was a great way to learn the basics of business and how to sell effectively, manage a team, listen carefully to her customers, behave in the most ethical and honest way and win at what you are doing. I Dare You! After five years, Ann took a severance package from P&G, which she and her used husband to buy a building. Ann remodeled the units in the building and then sold them. It was in the first unit that she discovered her love for wood floors and molding. She also found that she had an eye for spatial relationships and detail. Ann’s friend noticed that she LOVED what she did with the remodel and dared her to put "Remodel Consultant" on her business card. Ann did and the next day at her open house she handed them out and received her first call. She booked her second project from a neighbor who also picked up one of her business cards and now, almost twenty years later, she has finished her fourth project for that family.
The Business Today Ann has a team that consists of nine to fifteen people. At any given moment they might also have nine to twelve luxury residential projects going on at a time. Decorating a home from the ground up can take one to two years to complete, but allows Ann to get to know her clients really well. She prides herself on customer service. Projects at Ann’s company can vary greatly in price. A lot of customers are under the impression that remodels work like they do on HGTV. Some kind of magic wand is waved around and poof! The project is done. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works in real life. Ann had the opportunity to be interviewed by HGTV and one of the first things he did was apologize for the expectations HGTV sets... rarely anything can be finished super quickly for a reasonable price.
For this reason, Ann’s company gives a lengthy questionnaire process to be sure a client fits within her company. They have walked away from clients if they can’t meet their budget and timeframe scenarios because they'd rather not do a disservice to the client or the company. If they do accept a brand new client, they first listen carefully to the client's design expectations and look at any Pinterest boards, design boards, or tear sheets they may have in order to stick as closely to what the client wants as possible. After the customer is taken on a shopping trip to see which levels of quality exist within their budget. A specific budget is developed to include everything from furniture, draperies, area rugs, accessories, art, and any extra costs associated with projects so the client knows where their money is going. They do not move forward unless the client is on the same page as them. Ann and Coupar PR Coupar PR is very strategic as well as ethical and honest. Krista’s staff is also excellent in getting Ann's name out there such as in magazines. When Ann first joined Houzz in 2010,
Click on the image to see more of Laura's designs! Gail Doby and Laura Michaels Today, it’s a doubleheader when Nick chats with Gail Doby of Gail Doby Coaching and Consulting and Laura Michaels of Laura Michaels Design. On this podcast, we get sound advice from two keen and creative minds in the business. Also, Nick hits a home run when he suddenly asks Gail Doby for extended early bird tickets to the Interior Design Summit. Gail not only grants Nick his wish, but she agrees to give one lucky winner a free ticket. Tune in and see how you can become that lucky winner and hear more about the Design Summit! Getting to Know Gail
Gail was born in Iowa but grew up and went to college in Arkansas. Today, Gail is a successful certified coach and consultant. In today’s podcast, she discusses the business of the business and her upcoming Interior Design Summit. Gail expounds on one of her many favorite books on business, Rocket Fuel, authored by Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters. Gail stresses one of the book’s ideas: the importance of business owners to have a second in command. She says she is fortunate and can’t imagine her business without her second in command, Erin Wearer. Erin is a project manager. She’s a detailed person while Gail is more of the visionary person creating products and coaching clients.
Gail thinks of herself as a business therapist. She helps firms set goals, meet those goals, and exceed those goals. One question that many designers struggle with is how to set their fees for their services. Gail explains how she works with her design clients so they can realize how the pie should be divided when running the business, paying yourself, and profitability.
Mingling with Gail and other Top Designers at the Interior Design Summit
A lot of the coaching that Gail gives clients can be gained at the Design Summit. The summit will feature a host of talented designers who have much to share on setting fees, sales scripting, and growing your design business.
Listen to the podcast to see how you can get an early bird special price or even be one of the lucky winners.
Meeting Laura Michaels
Next, Nick meets up with Laura Michaels of Laura Michaels Design in New York City at ICFF. Laura’s design firm is located in Greenwich, Connecticut. Laura took a peculiar path to get where she is today. She had a love for fashion, which she inherited from her very chic and modern grandmother. It’s natural that she would major in Fashion Buying. But the road took a turn toward interior design when her neighbors adored her sense of interior style and sought her out for style interior questions and solutions. She thought, ‘I am doing a great job for my friends; I might as well start a business in interior design.’
Laura gives us fabulous advice from setting fees, running a business, reading potential clients and knowing their style. She’s prompt at understanding her client and addressing the space. Most of the time, she chooses to custom build the home furnishing to meet the client’s need, but also to give the space a ‘one of a kind’ designed space.
Just recently she was named one of the top 50 designers in New York Spaces. The second advancement was to open a storefront rather than work from home. This move had many advantages such as more room for samples, but most importantly meeting and showing clients her creations.
Thanks for listening!
Click on the image to see more of Laura's designs! Gail Doby and Laura Michaels Today, it’s a doubleheader when Nick chats with Gail Doby of Gail Doby Coaching and Consulting and Laura Michaels of Laura Michaels Design. On this podcast, we get sound advice from two keen and creative minds in the business. Also, Nick hits a home run when he suddenly asks Gail Doby for extended early bird tickets to the Interior Design Summit. Gail not only grants Nick his wish, but she agrees to give one lucky winner a free ticket. Tune in and see how you can become that lucky winner and hear more about the Design Summit! Getting to Know Gail
Gail was born in Iowa but grew up and went to college in Arkansas. Today, Gail is a successful certified coach and consultant. In today’s podcast, she discusses the business of the business and her upcoming Interior Design Summit. Gail expounds on one of her many favorite books on business, Rocket Fuel, authored by Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters. Gail stresses one of the book’s ideas: the importance of business owners to have a second in command. She says she is fortunate and can’t imagine her business without her second in command, Erin Wearer. Erin is a project manager. She’s a detailed person while Gail is more of the visionary person creating products and coaching clients.
Gail thinks of herself as a business therapist. She helps firms set goals, meet those goals, and exceed those goals. One question that many designers struggle with is how to set their fees for their services. Gail explains how she works with her design clients so they can realize how the pie should be divided when running the business, paying yourself, and profitability.
Mingling with Gail and other Top Designers at the Interior Design Summit
A lot of the coaching that Gail gives clients can be gained at the Design Summit. The summit will feature a host of talented designers who have much to share on setting fees, sales scripting, and growing your design business.
Listen to the podcast to see how you can get an early bird special price or even be one of the lucky winners.
Meeting Laura Michaels
Next, Nick meets up with Laura Michaels of Laura Michaels Design in New York City at ICFF. Laura’s design firm is located in Greenwich, Connecticut. Laura took a peculiar path to get where she is today. She had a love for fashion, which she inherited from her very chic and modern grandmother. It’s natural that she would major in Fashion Buying. But the road took a turn toward interior design when her neighbors adored her sense of interior style and sought her out for style interior questions and solutions. She thought, ‘I am doing a great job for my friends; I might as well start a business in interior design.’
Laura gives us fabulous advice from setting fees, running a business, reading potential clients and knowing their style. She’s prompt at understanding her client and addressing the space. Most of the time, she chooses to custom build the home furnishing to meet the client’s need, but also to give the space a ‘one of a kind’ designed space.
Just recently she was named one of the top 50 designers in New York Spaces. The second advancement was to open a storefront rather than work from home. This move had many advantages such as more room for samples, but most importantly meeting and showing clients her creations.
Thanks for listening!
Click on the photo for more! Sandra Funk: New Jersey Girl of Interior Design Today in The Lounge, Nick talks shop with Sandra Funk of House of Funk, interior design’s Jersey girl. Though originally from Michigan, Sandra now calls New Jersey home. House of Funk has offices in both New Jersey and the beloved New York City. Sandra took an unusual path to her interior design career; from planning to be a third-generation tire heiress, to a website/business finance consultant and then finally to an award-winning interior design principal. Find out how she did it all, in this episode of The Chaise Lounge. Breaking the Ice Sandra is a lover of neckwear. From scarves to necklaces, this is her accessory of choice. She supports Chavez for Charity, a maker of jewelry that gives a percentage of proceeds back to charitable causes, a business model that Sandra has also woven into House of Funk. Her perfect night out is a beautiful night stroll through New York City, stopping in for red wine and apps, and seeing where the evening takes her. She is a wife and mother of two beautiful daughters and takes great advantage of the Au Pair program! Growing up in Michigan, Sandra was always surrounded by a strong DIY spirit in her family and community. This is where the initial interior design seeds were planted.
Getting Into the Business After assuming that she and her sister would take over the family business of tire retreading, it came as a shock when her father sold the business. Sandra had even started college as a finance major in order to do just that. Upon graduation, forced to discover a new path, Sandra took on her first job as a business consultant, which allowed her to travel while she figured out her next steps. At that time, website usability consulting started to take off. As Sandra headed in that direction, she began taking interior design courses at Parsons School of Design to facilitate her website design work. She fell in love with interiors through her studies. Suddenly, the dot-com crash happened and Sandra was laid off. She, however, could not have been more pleased! It was full steam ahead of her interior design career.
Sandra’s first design gig was at Ethan Allen as a sales consultant and decorator. She received terrific training and was chosen to design TV host, Joy Behar’s, home office which would subsequently be featured on the television talk show The View. Upon leaving Ethan Allen, Sandra joined the team at Christopher Norman, where she really got to know the "Who’s Who" of the New York Interior Design community and learn about the intricacies of high-end design. The Nuts and Bolts of House of Funk
House of Funk is a 6-woman team. Sandra is the creative overseer and editor with two lead designers. She has a head of PR, Head of Finance and a Coordinator that wears many hats. While Sandra tools around in CAD to facilitate the design idea process, she leaves final specs to her rockstar lead designers. She also enjoys using Wecora to pin ideas for design charrettes and also loves sourcing personally once the design direction has been established. Sandra likes to walk the city to source and contact her go-to vendors for the perfect item for clients. When it comes to vendors, style and quality are imperative, but customer service is THE most important factor. Vendors must stand behind their products after they’ve been delivered and really believe in their business. Sandra makes sure to build relationships with vendors that have high integrity as this will always translate to their projects.
Sandra advises that when adding to your team, always allow people’s strengths to shine. It is more beneficial to do what you are good at. Try not to seek out that one person that you think needs to do everything. Internships are another great way to get to know someone and find out if they are a fit for your team; much like an extended interview.
Systems and delegation are also key to success and reduced stress;...
Click on the photo for more! Sandra Funk: New Jersey Girl of Interior Design Today in The Lounge, Nick talks shop with Sandra Funk of House of Funk, interior design’s Jersey girl. Though originally from Michigan, Sandra now calls New Jersey home. House of Funk has offices in both New Jersey and the beloved New York City. Sandra took an unusual path to her interior design career; from planning to be a third-generation tire heiress, to a website/business finance consultant and then finally to an award-winning interior design principal. Find out how she did it all, in this episode of The Chaise Lounge. Breaking the Ice Sandra is a lover of neckwear. From scarves to necklaces, this is her accessory of choice. She supports Chavez for Charity, a maker of jewelry that gives a percentage of proceeds back to charitable causes, a business model that Sandra has also woven into House of Funk. Her perfect night out is a beautiful night stroll through New York City, stopping in for red wine and apps, and seeing where the evening takes her. She is a wife and mother of two beautiful daughters and takes great advantage of the Au Pair program! Growing up in Michigan, Sandra was always surrounded by a strong DIY spirit in her family and community. This is where the initial interior design seeds were planted.
Getting Into the Business After assuming that she and her sister would take over the family business of tire retreading, it came as a shock when her father sold the business. Sandra had even started college as a finance major in order to do just that. Upon graduation, forced to discover a new path, Sandra took on her first job as a business consultant, which allowed her to travel while she figured out her next steps. At that time, website usability consulting started to take off. As Sandra headed in that direction, she began taking interior design courses at Parsons School of Design to facilitate her website design work. She fell in love with interiors through her studies. Suddenly, the dot-com crash happened and Sandra was laid off. She, however, could not have been more pleased! It was full steam ahead of her interior design career.
Sandra’s first design gig was at Ethan Allen as a sales consultant and decorator. She received terrific training and was chosen to design TV host, Joy Behar’s, home office which would subsequently be featured on the television talk show The View. Upon leaving Ethan Allen, Sandra joined the team at Christopher Norman, where she really got to know the "Who’s Who" of the New York Interior Design community and learn about the intricacies of high-end design. The Nuts and Bolts of House of Funk
House of Funk is a 6-woman team. Sandra is the creative overseer and editor with two lead designers. She has a head of PR, Head of Finance and a Coordinator that wears many hats. While Sandra tools around in CAD to facilitate the design idea process, she leaves final specs to her rockstar lead designers. She also enjoys using Wecora to pin ideas for design charrettes and also loves sourcing personally once the design direction has been established. Sandra likes to walk the city to source and contact her go-to vendors for the perfect item for clients. When it comes to vendors, style and quality are imperative, but customer service is THE most important factor. Vendors must stand behind their products after they’ve been delivered and really believe in their business. Sandra makes sure to build relationships with vendors that have high integrity as this will always translate to their projects.
Sandra advises that when adding to your team, always allow people’s strengths to shine. It is more beneficial to do what you are good at. Try not to seek out that one person that you think needs to do everything. Internships are another great way to get to know someone and find out if they are a fit for your team; much like an extended interview.
Systems and delegation are also key to success and reduced stress;...
Randy Fiser: The Big Cheese at ASID Today in The Lounge we have a SPECIAL guest, CEO of ASID aka The Big Cheese: Randy Fiser. He might not have an interior design background and he isn't an interior designer but Randy is definitely one of the most influential people in the industry.
As always please reach out to us as Nick LOVES to hear from you guys, tell us what you're doing, what you'd like to hear on the show and ask us questions if you need advice!
Secondly, don't forget to check out Porcelanosa's Life Style Magazine either online or order it by mail because guess what, it's FREE. They feature tons of great commercial/hospitality designers and images. Their 3D rendering service is also FREE so you utilize it guys! Remodel a kitchen or bathroom for your clients. Learn more about it here. Getting to Know Randy Randy was born in Southern California and lived there until he was 11 when he moved to Arizona and finished high school. Later, he went to Georgia for grad school and eventually moved to Washinton DC where he has been ever since. He received his masters in Counseling and Human Development as well as an MBA. Ever since he was little Randy knew he wanted to be in business and work with people to make an impact and leave the world a better place. So, he invested his time in consulting and large scale organizational transformation work. Later Randy's managing and consulting work were mission driven and soon he transitioned to non-profit work on affordable housing development and education reform. He was a client of Brad Pitt's to help rebuild New Orleans as well.
Randy's favorite place to vacation is Bali. As long as there is an adventure and he can hike, bike, be active and go to the beach, he's there. Good food is, of course, important too. Randy lives in a small 700 square foot apartment in DC, space isn't important to him as he's never home! BUT it is very well designed and FUNCTIONAL. Canadian designers built the apartments using Universal's Design Principles so anyone could live in it, such as someone in a wheel chair or someone not in a wheelchair. This is why Randy believes design matters, it took him a year to notice and think about the wide-range functionality in his apartment because it was so well designed. Design can be both beautiful and functional to the point where you don't notice or think about!
If you ask Randy, "beer, wine or a cocktail?"... it's wine AND a cocktail. A Day in the Life Well, it's never a typical day in the life of Randy but usually, he's on the road. He meets with members of ASID, attends chapter events, and talks with manufacturers who want to bring their product in front of members. He meets with other associations that represent the surrounding areas of design and construction. He meets with government officials at the state and federal levels.He meets with clients who run companies, healthcare facilities, or who are homeowners. He talks about WHAT designers do and WHY design matters. Design impacts life. Randy informs us that we're spending 93% of our time indoors now!! So human interaction with the spaces we spend the most time in defines us as human beings and affect our health. Randy does a lot of public speaking on these topics and loves it because it is what he is passionate about.
Randy thinks ASID needs to continue pushing this message and furthermore elevate it with case-studies. It's one thing to tell people that design impacts lives but it's another thing to prove it. One interesting thing Randy brings up is how we design spaces for people but we never take pictures of the spaces with people in them! Aesthetic is defining design but in reality, design is for functionality and for people, every space has a purpose. If you let beauty take over you dilute what design is all about! In every image of ASID's new Head Quarters, they have people in it, the goal is to show design intent by putting people within the space who are using it. It's like clothing,
Randy Fiser: The Big Cheese at ASID Today in The Lounge we have a SPECIAL guest, CEO of ASID aka The Big Cheese: Randy Fiser. He might not have an interior design background and he isn't an interior designer but Randy is definitely one of the most influential people in the industry.
As always please reach out to us as Nick LOVES to hear from you guys, tell us what you're doing, what you'd like to hear on the show and ask us questions if you need advice!
Secondly, don't forget to check out Porcelanosa's Life Style Magazine either online or order it by mail because guess what, it's FREE. They feature tons of great commercial/hospitality designers and images. Their 3D rendering service is also FREE so you utilize it guys! Remodel a kitchen or bathroom for your clients. Learn more about it here. Getting to Know Randy Randy was born in Southern California and lived there until he was 11 when he moved to Arizona and finished high school. Later, he went to Georgia for grad school and eventually moved to Washinton DC where he has been ever since. He received his masters in Counseling and Human Development as well as an MBA. Ever since he was little Randy knew he wanted to be in business and work with people to make an impact and leave the world a better place. So, he invested his time in consulting and large scale organizational transformation work. Later Randy's managing and consulting work were mission driven and soon he transitioned to non-profit work on affordable housing development and education reform. He was a client of Brad Pitt's to help rebuild New Orleans as well.
Randy's favorite place to vacation is Bali. As long as there is an adventure and he can hike, bike, be active and go to the beach, he's there. Good food is, of course, important too. Randy lives in a small 700 square foot apartment in DC, space isn't important to him as he's never home! BUT it is very well designed and FUNCTIONAL. Canadian designers built the apartments using Universal's Design Principles so anyone could live in it, such as someone in a wheel chair or someone not in a wheelchair. This is why Randy believes design matters, it took him a year to notice and think about the wide-range functionality in his apartment because it was so well designed. Design can be both beautiful and functional to the point where you don't notice or think about!
If you ask Randy, "beer, wine or a cocktail?"... it's wine AND a cocktail. A Day in the Life Well, it's never a typical day in the life of Randy but usually, he's on the road. He meets with members of ASID, attends chapter events, and talks with manufacturers who want to bring their product in front of members. He meets with other associations that represent the surrounding areas of design and construction. He meets with government officials at the state and federal levels.He meets with clients who run companies, healthcare facilities, or who are homeowners. He talks about WHAT designers do and WHY design matters. Design impacts life. Randy informs us that we're spending 93% of our time indoors now!! So human interaction with the spaces we spend the most time in defines us as human beings and affect our health. Randy does a lot of public speaking on these topics and loves it because it is what he is passionate about.
Randy thinks ASID needs to continue pushing this message and furthermore elevate it with case-studies. It's one thing to tell people that design impacts lives but it's another thing to prove it. One interesting thing Randy brings up is how we design spaces for people but we never take pictures of the spaces with people in them! Aesthetic is defining design but in reality, design is for functionality and for people, every space has a purpose. If you let beauty take over you dilute what design is all about! In every image of ASID's new Head Quarters, they have people in it, the goal is to show design intent by putting people within the space who are using it. It's like clothing,
Susan Suhar-Phillips: Interior Design Director at HDR Today in The Lounge, Susan Suhar-Phillips, Interior Design Director at HDR, joins Nick at the Porcelanosa showroom in the Merchandise Mart. Susan is Nick's longest-known friend to ever be on the show. Not only did they go to Junior High together but they also lived down the street from each other growing up! On this episode, Susan discusses how she got started in interior design and the variety of jobs she’s had in the industry. Susan also talks about her big move from Chicago to LAand how it made a HUGE change in her networking pool. Getting to Know Susan Susan is the Los Angeles Design Director for HDR, which is a large country-wide firm. She assists with projects at these sister firms as well. Susan has worked with HDR for about a year now. Before that, she was at Eckenhoff Saunders as their Interior Design Director.
Susan originally started out in the fine arts program at The Art Institute of Chicago when she found that being an artist was not a financially successful career path for her as she moved out of her parents home. So, she went in a different direction and tried environmental studies and sciences, but didn’t really like it. On a whim, she decided to take a drafting class at her local community college and at 21, fell in love with it. It was the perfect marriage of her creative side and her science side. This class gave her the exposure to architecture, drafting and interiors that she needed for the “ah ha” moment she’d been waiting for. Susan first received her associate's degree in Interior Design and then continued her education back at The Art Institute for Interior Architecture. She describes her community college education as gaining the technical knowledge while The Art Institute taught her to push the design envelope. It forced her to look at the world and its interior environments completely differently.
While Susan was in school she also did a couple of internships. Her very first internship was in community college with a furniture dealer. This experience allowed her to become familiar with vendors, materials, pricing, and application. While attending The Art Institute, she worked an internship with VOA which later turned into a full-time design position. VOA exposed Susan to the world of interior architecture and gave Susan a glimpse of how to collaborate with large teams, work on big projects, work with high profile clients, and work late nights. Don’t forget to bring your portfolio to your internship interviews like Susan might have ;). Networking is Key!... But it May Take Some Time Susan just moved to LA from Chicago a year ago, and as a result, she now has to start over with her professional network. She feels like networking is the only way to broaden your project base. Susan explains that the more exposed you are, even with your industry peers including competitors, vendors, and clients, the more you’re respected and understood as a contender in the industry. Moving can be stressful enough but it also took about a year for Susan to get used to her new routines, get acclimated with project deliverables, and accustomed to her commutes/travel before she started networking. She now has a good handle on everything and is ready to start. The Business Today As a BD, business developer, Susan can go out into the field and promote her company. She gave us some insight that HDR is moving away from hospitality and becoming more of a healthcare giant. Susan also mentioned that when Gary Wheeler joined HDR and took helm of the workplace, he made a significant change to the vision of HDR and where they are going design-wise. This vision is to become more interiors driven. HDR is going to be including the workplace and have strong market sectors between healthcare, work, education, science, and technology.
As Design Director, Susan, has six designers that work underneath her with experience in design ranging from fifteen years to jus...