Episodes
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In this candid conversation, Trisha Harp from Young Office shares her incredible story of resilience in the wake of Hurricane damage to their Asheville location. She walks through the devastating impact of the hurricane, how her team rallied together, and the unexpected silver linings of rebuilding their showroom from scratch. From navigating disaster recovery to sharing insights about her career journey through working for a dealer and manufacturer, Trisha offers a powerful look at adaptability, teamwork, and finding opportunities in challenging moments.
The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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Join us as we chat with Erick Gama, a strategic RFP specialist at BOS in Chicago, about his unique journey in the design world. From his college days studying interior design to becoming an integral part of a specialized response team, Erick shares how he carved out his career path. He opens up about the challenges of working on RFPs, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and his advice for emerging designers eager to make their mark. Erick’s story is a testament to the power of teamwork, personal growth, and staying open to unexpected opportunities in the design industry.
Sign up for The Design POP’s Monthly webinar as we continue to learn existing design technologies and explore new ones too! https://www.thedesignpop.com/webinar
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In this episode of The Design Pop, host Alexandra chats with Lance Amato, Head of Customer Experience at CANOA, live from CET Experience. Together, they explore how design technology is changing the commercial furniture industry, especially for dealer designers. Lance opens up on his journey from architecture and design to tech, admitting he once underestimated the complexity of dealer designers' work. They discuss CANOA’s bottom-up tech adoption, new SIF file integration, and how AI enhances (not replaces) the design process. It’s a conversation about bridging gaps, improving data access, and making tools work better for everyone in design.
Sign up for The Design POP’s Monthly webinar as we continue to learn existing design technologies and explore new ones too! https://www.thedesignpop.com/webinar
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I'm at CET Experience this week, meeting with designers and hugging friends, new and old - this is one happy place! This morning, Configura hit the stage with some exciting updates, and though you might’ve missed it, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! In this episode, I sit down with two very special guests: Aaron Okkema (Global Head of Interiors at Configura) and Erin Corrill (Global Head of User Community at Configura). Together, we discuss what's happening at this year's show, what's new at Configura, and what might be on the horizon for the commercial interiors industry.
Sign up for The Design POP’s Monthly webinar as we continue to learn existing design technologies and explore new ones too! https://www.thedesignpop.com/webinar
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Are you using AI without even realizing it? In this episode, Alexandra takes a fun dive into how AI is shaking up the design world. She’s joined by Kari Anderson, founder of Techbox Collective, Scott Loomis from Steelcase, and Felipe Teixeira of Encodec to chat about how AI is being used in real design projects. They break down the perks, the pitfalls, and what we need to watch out for as AI becomes a bigger part of our creative process. From ditching boring tasks to unlocking new levels of creativity, they explore how AI shapes the future of design and what it means for you!
Sign up for The Design POP’s Monthly webinar as we continue to learn existing design technologies and explore new ones too! https://www.thedesignpop.com/webinar
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Join Alexandra as she takes you on a journey to the CET Experience, Configura's annual user conference. From her emotional first attendance in 2009 to her current role as a media sponsor, Alexandra shares personal anecdotes and insights into this unique industry event.
Featuring interviews with Configura CEO Stefan Persson and award-winning designer Allessandra Sollazzo, this episode explores what makes the CET Experience special. Whether you're a seasoned CET user or new to the commercial interior design industry, this episode offers valuable perspectives on professional growth, industry connections, and the latest in design technology.
Also - don't miss exclusive details about the 2024 CET Experience and a special discount code for Design Pop listeners!
For $75 off registration to CETX: https://www.cetexperience.com?promo=CETXDESIGNPOP2024
Or use the code: CETXDESIGNPOP2024
If you are heading to CETX let us know! We are looking for people who want to participate in the pod. Contact [email protected]
Want to sign up for a free monthly pop webinar in the future? Follow this link to register.
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In this episode, Alexandra Tseffos takes a moment to reflect and reconnect after a whirlwind month. She shares stories from a recent journey to Greece, exploring her heritage and creating memorable family experiences. From historic landmarks to unique family dynamics, Alexandra's travel tales reveal deeper connections to her life's purpose.
She also dives into her experiences at NeoCon and Design Days and how reconnecting with others creates true moments of gratitude and curiosity. Tune in for a heartfelt blend of personal stories and professional insights that underscore the importance of human connection and discovery.
To access the Pop into Excellence recordings, please visit: https://www.thedesignpop.com/offers/AP2S9W9L
POP into Excellence 2024 recordings are a limited release. This offer ends on August 1st at 12am central time.
The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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What truly drives collaboration between sales reps and designers? Today, we cut through the noise to explore how technology and simplified processes can foster better partnerships.
Join us as we hear from industry experts Lindsey Shepherd, owner of Full Circle, and Tom Caterino, principal at Contract Sources in Boston, as they share how they use technology and unique approaches to communication to create harmonious and impactful relationships that deliver real results for their businesses and people.
But wait, there’s more! Alexandra also examines survey results from the North American Independent Rep Council (NAIRC), hosted by Jeff Carlson, on the use of specification services and technology by independent rep groups. The results may surprise you.The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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In today’s episode, we sit down with Aaron Estabrook, Director of Digital Marketing and Media Strategy at OFS, who shares compelling insights on building a personal brand that resonates and stands out in a crowded market. Together, they explore the impact of personal branding on career advancement, the psychological barriers professionals face, and practical strategies for overcoming them. Aaron offers actionable advice on how individuals can express their unique values and skills, enhancing visibility and connections within their industry. This episode is an essential listen for anyone eager to elevate their professional profile and forge meaningful connections in the design world. Whether you're an emerging designer or a seasoned professional, you'll find valuable lessons in building a brand that truly represents who you are and attracts the opportunities you seek.
Register for Aaron's Pop into Excellence personal branding workshop here.
Learn more about The Design POP into Excellence event
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Are you thinking of "crossing over?"
On this episode, we welcome Alison Kulisek, a designer-turned-salesperson who has experienced multiple "crossover" events in her design industry career. Alison is currently an Account Executive at MDC Interior Solutions and today she'll share her path from dealer designer to sales, discussing the stresses and challenges of both roles.
This episode offers a deep dive into the diverse career trajectories within the design field, exploring the essential skills required to excel in both design and sales roles. Highlighting the significance of embracing risks and innovation, our discussion underscores the necessity of adaptability and courage to distinguish oneself in the ever-evolving design industry.
The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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On today's episode, Laura Boone, co-founder and principal of turnerboone, shares the unique business model and company culture that drives their success. During our chat, Laura discusses prioritizing highly skilled account managers (who have design backgrounds) over traditional commission-based sales, emphasizing hiring for culture fit and developing leaders internally. Laura also highlights embracing remote work for top talent, prioritizing customer experience, and staying open to industry evolution. Her insights offer a glimpse into an innovative dealership structure centered on service excellence and employee satisfaction.
The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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Despite starting his design career in his 30s, Paul Riches has become a distinguished leader at MillerKnoll. Captured during a conversation between long-time industry friends at the CET Experience, Paul traces his winding path to design. From deciding against law school to touring with a heavy metal band, his journey demonstrates how saying "yes" can unlock unforeseen opportunities.
Now a celebrated technological trailblazer, Paul helped push early dealer design software to the limits. He shares valuable insights on innovation, client expectations around speed-to-market, and why designers shouldn't fear AI. Tune in to discover Paul's unconventional trajectory and perspective on technology transforming the workplace.
The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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In the second installment of our series, we delve deeper into the actual practices of dealer design incentives.
Join us as we speak with Brent Matthews, President of Price Modern, who explains the rationale behind introducing designer incentives in their organization.
We'll also engage with two design leaders who take distinctly different approaches to incentives. Joining us are Julia Machado, a familiar voice on The Design Pop, who collaborated with Brent on these incentives, and Kim Melka from Duet Resource Group, bringing a fresh perspective.
To cap off the episode, I'll break down the findings from our online survey about design incentives used by both manufacturers and dealers. This episode is packed with real-world insights that are sure to enlighten you.
Get the Incentives Report here
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As projects get more complex, dealer designers juggle more responsibilities - and as more responsibilities grow, so too does dealer designer compensation, right? RIGHT?! Well, apparently, not always…
In this first episode of our two-part series, we dive into the complexities of dealer designer compensation and incentives. Join us with consultant Shelley Rosetta from Solomon Coyle, who helps shed light on why, despite rising pay, 80% of designers are leaving for better opportunities. Together, we tackle how Dealer Principals can better retain and motivate talent by aligning compensation with skills, setting clear KPIs, and offering more than just monetary rewards.
Expect insights on transparency, training, and recognition in part 1 of today’s episode, setting the stage for more in-depth discussions and survey data in part two. Stay tuned!
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Can you believe it's been a whole year of podcasting already? Crazy! As a new podcaster, 2023 has been a fun and surprising journey. For instance, my kiddos now call this podcast, "mama’s show" and my hairstylist mentioned she “digs the sound of my voice.” It’s a little startling to know so many folks are listening, both inside and outside our industry. Even though I’m still adjusting to this new reality, I’ve loved strengthening old connections and making new friends through this podcast journey.
Looking ahead into 2024, I hope to bring more leadership perspectives to the table and chat about topics that impact the life of a dealer designer, like the role of incentives, career advancement, work-life balance, and so much more.
I hope you enjoy this episode and take time this holiday season and unplug. Thank you for joining me on this journey and I look forward to sharing more with you in the new year, so stay tuned!
The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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Recorded LIVE from the CET Experience, Alexandra sits down with Julia Machado, Director of Design at Price Modern. Together, they explore Julia's transformative journey from a production designer to a leader in management. Their discussion delves into the evolution of her leadership skills, the criticality of maintaining work-life balance, and the art of empowering teams while fostering specialization. A significant part of their conversation revolves around the industry's ambiguous career paths and how professionals can proactively navigate and advance their design careers. Julia shares her valuable insights, providing perspectives from both an individual contributor and a managerial standpoint, offering a comprehensive view of the potential trajectories of a design career within a dealer organization.
And make sure to stay tuned for the last few minutes of today's episode, as we look ahead to our next episode, in which we'll need your help learning more about "incentives" for dealer designers.
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CET Experience is Configura's annual user community conference. This year, CETx was in Scottsdale, Arizona and The Design Pop Podcast was lucky enough to get to speak to, interview, and mingle with the attendees of this incredible event. In fact, we were excited to get some time with a very special guest, Stefan Persson, Chief Executive Officer at Configura (maker of CET Commercial Interiors software).
In this episode, Stefan walks us through his unique path to Configura and the exciting new changes coming to the CET program, such as integrating AI, updating the user interface, and releasing other new exciting features. Tune in to hear his insights on Configura's origins, values, and exciting plans ahead.
The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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While at AIA’s Women's Leadership Summit, there were references to the fact that women were leaving the profession between graduating and becoming licensed. When I asked where they were going, a common response was: Interior Design and UX.
Kari Anderson has spent 3 decades in the industry, mostly at dealerships, and has always been fascinated by technology. I met her as an early adopter of CET in 2009. In 2018, she made a shift and was re-educated as a UX designer. This episode explores her journey personally and professionally as she applied her existing interior design experience to a new function of design.
Kari Anderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uxandkari/
UX&Kari: https://uxandkari.com/
Techbox Collective: https://techboxcollective.com/
Where are the women?
https://www.acsa-arch.org/resource/where-are-the-women-measuring-progress-on-gender-in-architecture-2/
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In today's episode, we're going deep into a surprisingly hot topic in the world of the dealer designer. Should the reins of ancillary decisions be in the hands of designers, salespeople, a specialist, A&D, manufacturer’s rep… all of them? To help break down this debate, we welcome two very special guests, Jodi Sorenson (Director of Furniture Design at AGILE INTERIORS) and Abby Leopold (Principal at CH411). We discuss how ancillary has become more complex, the differences between specification & selection, and explore ideas on how dealerships can enhance the ancillary process as the demand for ancillary grows.
Plus, we glean findings from a survey put out by The Design POP, revealing how dealerships approach ancillary, with some eye-opening feedback. Join us for a comprehensive look into the evolving realm of ancillary furniture and how this topic just might make or break your dealer design team.
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In today's episode, Alexandra interviews Ellen Gerovac, VP of Design at BSI-Milwaukee and Mother of 4 children. Together, they discuss their experiences becoming parents while building design careers, including overcoming early misconceptions about motherhood in the industry.
Ellen shares advice on setting boundaries between work and home life, being creative about managing workload, and involving kids in your design passion. Alexandra and Ellen offer clear advice for managing your mental health as a Mom, emphasizing clear communication, asking for help when needed, and maintaining balance during stressful seasons of life.
As you'll hear, this conversation aims to empower designers to advocate for their needs while bringing their best selves to their families and their work.
Looking to make a change? The independent designer registry is a way to help you market your skills, in a field you love, to those who need your design expertise.
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