16/02/12

Technology and the World of Interior Design

The D&D Building and ASID - NY Metro Chapter recently hosted 2012 Emerging Talent and Student Day. In attendance were about a hundred students and new designers (and potential designers for my future twelve-bedroom mansion?), who attended presentations scheduled in the building throughout the day, in addition to a keynote sponsored by Editor at Large.

Moderated by Susanna Salk, this panel - “How to Succeed in the Design Business” - featured NY designers Amanda Nisbet, Malcolm Kutner, David Scott, and Campion Platt. Besides offering helpful tips, they discussed their inspirations, how they started out in this business (Malcolm was studying English literature when he found his calling in telling stories through spaces), and mistakes from which they’ve learned (for her first project, Amanda accidentally ordered children-sized furniture for a very tall client; the lesson is to measure, measure, measure!).

That afternoon, Maury gave a talk in our showroom on “Technology and the World of Interior Design.” He explained challenges the design industry has in adopting technology and the creative solutions that manufacturers have come up with.

Problem 1: Sampling of fabrics and products is costly to manufacturers and takes a long time to reach designers. Sample books are too large and designer libraries are too full. The process needs some digital organization without losing the touch and feel of quality products.

Solution: The Fortuny App powered by Rounded Corners. On your iPhone or iPad, you can view fabric patterns and colors on the go through a virtual sample book. This app allows you to request samples directly from Fortuny, so you don’t lose the actual feel of the product. With apps like this, manufacturers can distribute new items faster and cheaper than ever before - and it beats breaking your back carrying one of our gargantuan sample books.

Problem 2: We are a custom industry. It’s impossible to view every color and pattern combination of a certain rug or chair. It’s also challenging for designers and manufacturers to show clients their spectacular vision when they can’t yet show them the final product.

Solution: With programs like Loft by Rubelli and Holland & Sherry’s carpet software, you can virtually upholster furniture or make carpets with any chosen pattern, color, or material, and even see what the product will look like, to scale, among the décor in a certain room. This makes it much easier for clients to visualize the outcome of a project, which helps lead to faster sales.

Problem 3: There are tons of small dealers in this industry that sell great products, but that have no catalogs or channels of distribution. On top of that, especially in this economy, pricing may be too high for many designers’ budgets.

Solution: 1st Dibs brought together the vast inventory of hundreds of small mom & pop dealers to create a single source for tons of products. One Kings Lane functions on the idea of flash sales; the company collaborates with top designers to create incredible, ever-changing product selections at never before seen prices. Lastly, Dering Hall signs up the best designers and sells their looks, allowing other designers to finally have access to more and more sources.

Maury also touched upon technology in the form of social media. Designers can take control of how they market themselves, gaining loyal fans and followers by sharing ideas and inspiration on the web. This resonates with what David Scott said later at the panel. He stated, "Social media is changing design in every way," emphasizing the importance of building a grassroots following.

It’s amazing what designers can accomplish once they embrace technology!

Iris