The Future of Interior Design
What does the future hold for interior design & interior designers?
Today’s three interior design business podcasts provide three fascinating POVs on what the future may/should/could hold for interior designers. So many ideas bouncing around in my head after listening to these podcasts.
Would love to hear your thoughts… DM me at @interior_designher
Episodes at a glance:
Interior Design Business - Jeff Hayward and Susie Rumbold - When Kelly Met Martin - 42 min
A Well-Designed Business - LuAnn Nigara - Power Talk Friday: Leslie Carothers: Is the Metaverse and AI the Future of Interior Design? - 1 hr, 21 min
Hot Young Designers Club - Rebecca Plumb & Shaun Crha - A Conversation with Tankersley Construction - 1 hr, 4 min
Interior Design Business - Jeff Hayward and Susie Rumbold - When Kelly Met Martin - 42 min
Throughout the course of her long career, international interior designer and author Kelly Hoppen, CBE, has earned and received every plaudit. Her impact on our industry and the public’s perception of the significance of interior design in their lives cannot be underestimated.
She joins us for this latest show alongside Martin Waller, Founder of the Global design brand, Andrew Martin, the internationally recognised Andrew Martin Interior Designer of The Year Award and the annual Interior Design Review. Martin is also a long-time friend and collaborator of Kelly.
In this episode, we learn about their own career pathways, their views on the evolution of interior design and the fruits of their many partnerships, including Kelly’s latest collection for Andrew Martin.
A Well-Designed Business - LuAnn Nigara - Power Talk Friday: Leslie Carothers: Is the Metaverse and AI the Future of Interior Design? - 1 hr, 21 min
You’ve probably heard about new technology developing—AI, chatGPT, the metaverse—all the things. But are you jumping on the bandwagon? Today Leslie Carothers of Savour Partnership, a digital marketing firm for interior designers, is here to talk about how metaverse applications and AI are changing the future of the world, business in general, and our industry.
Pick It Apart
[2:30] Leslie unpacks all things metaverse and how they’re being used.
[11:20] Leslie discusses how big brands are using metaverse activations.
[46:54] Leslie and LuAnn talk about AI and its implications for designers.
[0:09] Leslie discusses the ethical implications of AI.
[10:05] Leslie shares a product design project she completed with AI assistance.
LuAnn Nigara and Leslie Carothers' Ah-Ha Moments
“There is nothing that will replace the soul that you bring to a project, there is nothing that will replace the execution ability that you bring to a project. There's nothing that will ever replace the problem-solving ability that you bring to a project. And there's nothing that will ever replace the therapeutic aspect, as many of you know, that you bring to a project for your clients. You are irreplaceable as designers. So you never have to worry about AI replacing, in my opinion, ever, your jobs.” -Leslie
Hot Young Designers Club - Rebecca Plumb & Shaun Crha - A Conversation with Tankersley Construction - 1 hr, 4 min
What is the most challenging part of your business? What percentage of your projects involve working with a designer? How do you vet clients before getting into pre-construction? Rebecca and Shaun sit down with Steve and Heather Tankersley, owners of Tankersley Construction, to discuss their business.
In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun speak with Steve and Heather to discuss:
The most successful and challenging projects for Steve and Heather
Tankersley’s pre-construction process where they evaluate design goals, budget, etc
Challenges of traditional contracting methods
Having a structured process for vetting clients – a form on the website, in-person or virtual meetings, etc
The need for designers to stand firm in their boundaries rather than compromise on unprofitable projects
The potential for clients to shop around after receiving the pre-construction documentation
Steve’s experience with Sandler Training and how it has helped them in their business
Frustration with clients who refuse to budge on costs despite inflation
Renovation costs are unlikely to go down and will increase due to inflation
Impact of social media on shaping people’s perceptions of home design
A client’s experience of wasting $50,000 on plans that were not feasible to build due to budget constraints
How National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is helping to make the remodeling industry better
Heather and Steve’s goals for the future of their company