Thrive In Design

S5, E8: Elevate and Master Your Narrative to Boost Revenue with Ericka Saurit

People remember how you made them feel, not just what you sold. This means they will remember your brand beyond the transaction. However, a brand is not just a logo or website color. It is the emotional experience people have with your business. But how do you create a memorable experience? How do you make clients feel the emotions and choose your brand repeatedly? To do this, you must consider storytelling and shift from a business mindset to a brand mentality. 

Ericka Saurit, who joins us in today’s episode, emphasizes the power of storytelling in building a brand. She highlights that you must clearly explain your offer and consistently tell your clients why they should choose you over others. In this episode, you will learn the strategies and skills that make your story stand out and emotionally connect with clients.

Ericka Saurit is the Founder of Saurit Creative and the Marketing School for Creatives. As a designer and marketer, she has witnessed the transformative power of compelling storytelling across businesses of varying scales, from design firms and manufacturers to global tech companies and burgeoning D2C startups. Ericka has observed firsthand how brands with a clear and concise narrative consistently outshine their competitors with inconsistent messaging.

Let's jump in!

Key Highlights from the Episode:

[00:01] Episode intro and a bit about our guest, Ericka Saurit

[02:30] Ericka’s backstory and journey into interior design

[08:05] The shift from college to your interior design sweet spot

[09:46] How she has been able to merge her passions and storytelling strategies

[14:00] The difference between being a brand vs. a business

[18:55] The E3 brand marketing framework to make your clients come back

[28:22] Interior designers Ericka has worked with to grow their business with storytelling

[33:27] Some of the memorable projects Ericka has worked with clients 

[36:53] How Ericka practically communicates with her clients

[40:07] How she keeps on trend with the changing business landscapes and technology

[42:33] What she’s currently working on at her company: Marketing School for Creatives

[45:42] Other best ways to connect with Ericka

[46:20] Episode wrap-up and calls to action

Notable Quotes: 

• You’ve got to show your best work, communicate to clients with a story that makes them lean in, and simply be a brand. 
• A brand is not just about your website's logo or colors. It’s how people feel when they think about what you offer. 
• Before you market anything, products or services, you have to clearly, confidently, and consistently articulate to people what makes you different.
• Building a brand with an ideology and not based on a style will free you up to do anything you want.
• AI is a trend and just a tool that will not, anytime soon, replace what a creative person can do.

Connect with Ericka Saurit

Website: https://sauritcreative.com/

Educational Website: https://www.marketingschoolforcreatives.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sauritcreative/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saurit-creative

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SauritCreative/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SauritCreative/

Brand Audit: https://marketingschoolforcreatives.mykajabi.com/brand-audit

 

Learn more about Thrive In Design: 

Website: https://www.thriveindesign.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/

 

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/

 

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.

S5, E7: Crafting Your Brand Story: The Power of Storytelling

What is the story behind your interior product brand, and do you know why it is important to your audience? Every brand has a story to tell, and understanding and articulating your brand story is crucial for connecting with your audience on a deeper level.

Brand storytelling is the key to cutting through the noise in a crowded marketplace, where distractions abound and attention spans are fleeting. Your brand story, whether conveyed online or in person, serves as a beacon, guiding customers through the clutter and leaving a lasting impression.

Whether it's the humble beginnings of your brand story, the solutions and value you offer, or the vision for the future, making it compelling, relevant, and unforgettable can help you build a loyal customer base and distinguish yourself from the competition, regardless of your style.

In this episode, your host, Nicole, shares more on brand storytelling in interior product design to help you create a compelling brand story that will not only differentiate your brand from its competitors but also help you cut through the noise.

Let's dive in!

 

 

 

Key Highlights from the Episode:

[00:01] Intro and what’s in for you in this episode 

[03:43] Nicoles’s story and elevator pitch for her brand

[05:01] Why you need to get clear on your story and how you share it

[08:30] Storytelling and why it is relevant to your interior product design

[10:24] 3 storytelling strategies to maximize visibility, profit, and impact

[17:49] 3 things to prioritize when telling your brand story 

[18:47] Storytelling key points from The Art Of The Tale 

[23:03] Lessons from a Mirror Company on the importance of storytelling 

[26:02] Your season 5 first homework on your brand storytelling 

[27:44] Wrap-up and end of the shoe 

Notable Quotes: 

• Storytelling is a way for your brand to engage with your audience on a deeper level.
• Your story gives your audience reasons to buy your product or service, and it should be consistent across all platforms.
• Storytelling is a must-have, not a nice to have because it can maximize your visibility, profit, and impact.
• When we think, we think in stories, and they should be a priority for your company.
• We usually don’t remember things unless they are tied to stories.

Resources Mentioned 

3 Reasons Why Brand Storytelling Is The Future of Marketing: Forbes Article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/celinnedacosta/2019/01/31/3-reasons-why-brand-storytelling-is-the-future-of-marketing/?sh=2019e4c455ff

The Art Of The Tale by Steven James: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Tale-Audience-Organization-Storytelling/dp/1400233119

Learn more about Thrive In Design: 

Website: https://www.thriveindesign.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/

 

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/

 

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.

S5, E6: From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Mastering Outdoor Design with Steve Griggs

Creative design is the cornerstone of creating outdoor experiences that leave a lasting impression by elevating ordinary spaces into extraordinary works of art. Drawing inspiration from the ambiance and fostering creative collaboration allows each space's unique characteristics to guide our design journey. Collaboration in outdoor design is pivotal as it enables us to blend individual visions, technical know-how, and creative flair to breathe life into outdoor spaces. This not only enhances innovation but also ensures that the final design reflects the desires and needs of the people who will inhabit and enjoy the space in the long run.

In this episode, Steve Griggs from Steve Griggs Designs shares more about outdoor design, how to elevate your creative design game, and the principles of turning ordinary spaces into extraordinary art. Steve at Griggs extends beyond his design prowess. He is a two-time recipient of the Inc. 5000 Award, a testament to his passion, dedication, and impact. He started with the wheelbarrow, working tirelessly to build his business from the ground up.

Today, Steve is the go-to expert for landscape design, swimming pools, and outdoor entertaining spaces. One of Steve’s remarkable qualities is his approach to design. He doesn’t impose cookie-cutter designs. Instead, he collaborates closely with clients to understand their unique vision. His work extends beyond traditional landscaping to reinventing and renovating urban spaces and designing luxury homes and communities.

As the best-selling author of "Straight Dirt: New York City's Premier Designer Tells It Like It Is," he shares insider secrets of working effectively with landscape designers and contractors.

Let's jump in!

Key Highlights from the Episode:

[00:01] Episode intro and a bit about our guest, Steve Griggs

[03:10] Steve’s passions and journey in becoming a premier landscape designer 

[04:41] How being in the public eye influenced Steve’s designs and projects 

[05:50] Steve’s design process and how it’s different from what is on TV

[07:01] Things Steve has to get his clients to understand in the design process   

[08:00] Key principles of turning ordinary spaces into extraordinary works of art

[10:50] How Steve approaches collaboration in his design process 

[13:02] Timely elements that Steve incorporates in his design and how he balances

[13:44] Projects Steve has worked on in his 40 years career

[14:34] Steve’s most memorable projects that posed unique challenges and how he overcame

[16:20] Misconception Steve has encountered in landscape and design

[17:57] How Steve integrates environment-friendly practices and materials in his projects

[20:03] Steve’s advice to aspiring designers looking to build successful careers in business

[21:46] How to reach out and connect with Steve

[22:03] Episode wrap-up and calls to action

Notable Quotes: 

• Always try to draw inspiration from the job site and the ambiance itself. 
• No one knows everything, no matter how long they have been doing it, and that’s why we collaborate. 
• We are the orchestrators, and when we collaborate with the homeowner, we get their vision and unique desires. 
• Creative design is a business; you need to treat it like one, so get your art together, be organized, focus, and make money to be around for a long time.

Resources Mentioned 

Steve Griggs’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/Straight-Dirt-Premier-Landscape-Designer/dp/1948261073

Connect with Steve Griggs

Website: https://stevegriggsdesign.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevegriggsdesign/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/in/stevegriggsdesign/

Learn more about Thrive In Design: 

Website: https://www.thriveindesign.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/

 

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/

 

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.

S5, E5: Innovative Horizons: A Designer's Perspective on Waterfront Infrastructure with Dena Prastos

Waterfront infrastructure refers to the systems and structures built along the edges of bodies of water to serve various purposes, such as transportation, recreation, flood protection, habitat restoration, and economic development. Despite the significant opportunities, waterfront infrastructures are not immune to a unique set of challenges. Architects and designers must consider resiliency and sustainability.

Waterfront areas are vulnerable to flooding, erosion, and other natural hazards. Architects and designers need to employ materials and construction methods that can withstand these challenges. They also must consider the impact of climate change and design for rising sea levels and more extreme weather events. Regarding sustainability, waterfront development should be executed in a way that protects the environment and minimizes the impact on natural resources.

In this episode, we are joined by Dena Prastos, a visionary professional with expertise in waterfront architecture, civil engineering, futurism, climate adaptation, entrepreneurship, and innovative thinking. As the founder and CEO of Indigo River, a pioneering transdisciplinary design firm led by women, she spearheads progressive initiatives in waterfront architecture, resilience, and climate adaptation. Renowned as a leading authority in New York Harbor and beyond, her firm excels in seamlessly transcending boundaries to address climate challenges through innovative waterfront solutions. Indigo River is dedicated to guiding and overseeing projects from inception to completion, including construction and ongoing operations.

Let's jump in!

Key Highlights from the Episode:

[00:01] Episode intro and a bit about our guest, Dena Prastos

[01:59] Dena’s journey and what inspired her to start Indigo River

[05:00] The growth journey of Indigo River since its inception

[06:45] Dena’s creative process in the Indigo River 

[09:58] A breakdown of one of Dena’s most memorable projects  

[12:09] How to stay informed and innovative on climate change as a designer or architecture

[16:46] The role of sustainability in her design world

[18:37] Key collaborations that have shaped Dena’s work

[24:54] The future of Indigo River

[26:12] Episode wrap-up and calls to action

Notable Quotes: 

• Sustainability goes hand in hand with resiliency. Sustainability is man’s impact on the planet, while resiliency is nature’s impact on humankind. 
• By default, working on the waterfront is one of the most vulnerable topographies to climate change, rising sea levels, and flooding. 
• Before approaching any waterfront infrastructure project, you must do thorough due diligence. You must understand different underlying site conditions and natural weather patterns of the area.

Connect with Dena Prastos 

Website: https://www.indigoriver.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denaprastos/

Learn more about Thrive In Design: 

Website: https://www.thriveindesign.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/

 

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/

 

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.

S5, E4: Designing a Better Tomorrow: A Conversation on Sustainable Practices with Sarah Enaharo

Integrating sustainability in the design industry is not merely a trend but a fundamental shift towards responsible and conscious practices. Design, at its core, influences how we interact with the world, and incorporating sustainable principles into this process is the key to a positive environmental and social impact. From material selection to production processes, designers play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable future.

Beyond reducing environmental impact, sustainable design also encompasses social responsibility, sustainable labor practices, and promoting diversity and inclusion. In this episode, Sarah shares her journey and passion for sustainability, sustainable sourcing, renewable energy, the link between social impact and sustainability, and the future of sustainability in the design industry to help us enhance our resilience and efforts in sustainability.

Sarah is the Global Sustainability Director at Milliken, where she plays a pivotal role in catalyzing transformative change by integrating sustainability into operations spanning industrial, manufacturing, NGO, and government sectors. With a keen focus on mitigating risks and fostering cross-functional collaboration, Sarah excels in building strategic relationships with senior leadership and partners to drive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance. Her passion lies in reshaping perspectives on material inputs and advocating sustainable and responsible agendas for manufactured products.

Let's jump in!

Key Highlights from the Episode:

[00:01] Episode intro and a bit about our guest, Sarah Enaharo

[01:51] What inspired Sarah to pursue a career in sustainability 

[03:48] Sarah’s day-to-day role as a Global sustainability director at Milliken

[04:37] Transparency and material health trends and technology 

[06:28] Breaking down and implementing sustainability in interior design  

[08:48] What sustainable sourcing is in an organization

[10:18] Renewable energy and how it’s linked to sustainable sourcing 

[12:08] How sustainability promotes justice and social impact

[15:18] How we can incorporate sustainability into our processes

[17:07] Blindspots interior product companies have when integrating sustainability 

[19:48] Adopting sustainability into your processes and turning it into profitability 

[20:56] Sarah’s hopes for sustainability in the design industry now and in the future 

[23:08] Where to learn more about Sarah and Milliken's sustainability efforts

[23:18] Episode wrap-up and calls to action

Notable Quotes: 

• Sustainability is personal; we have to look internally at how we can reduce our consumption, reuse, and recycle. 
• Looking for sustainable sourcing means you are sourcing responsibly and being a good steward of the environment.
• To make sustainability visible and understandable for people, start where they are and make it relatable. 
• Sustainability is a journey, and gaining a firm understanding of greenhouse gas emissions is the first step in mitigating climate change.
• The design industry has the power to change and help mitigate climate change based on the decisions it makes regarding building materials.

Resources Mentioned: 

Milliken CSR report: https://www.milliken.com/en-us/sustainability/reporting

Connect with Sarah 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-robinson-enaharo-msc-755b9113/

Learn more about Thrive In Design: 

Website: https://www.thriveindesign.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/

 

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/

 

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.

S5, E3: AI Experimentation and Why You Still Need Help with Your Sales Strategy

AI is an amazing revolution for the interior design industry. The old ways of doing things are long gone, and embracing this new normal is inevitable. Interior product companies that have integrated AI are making massive strides, but they don't merely ask for ideas and implement them blindly. This is because AI will only provide generic strategies and ideas based on the general industry, not your specific product company or location, as we shall demonstrate in this episode. You will realize that you cannot entirely rely on Artificial Intelligence without practical consultancy and coaching.

Since we all know that customer experience determines the success or failure of an interior product design company and its designers, we will use the showroom experience to ask CHATGPT to provide us with online and offline strategies and tips for improvement. Are you curious to see the magic? Hit that play button now!

 

Key Highlights from the Episode:

[00:01] Episode intro and why you need to listen to the episode with Melissa Marsh

[02:37] Why using AI is becoming inevitable in what we do

[04:35] CHATGPT experimentation on ways to improve customer experience

[06:15] The 5 touch points for an exemplary customer experience

[10:02] CHATGPT prompt

[12:41] Offline strategies that ChatGPT shares

[14:12] Weaknesses in those AI recommendations

[15:27] Online strategies provided by AI from the experimentation

[19:28] The missing pieces in the CHATGPT response 

[20:26] How to fix the shortcomings with Thrive in Design consultancy

[21:40] Episode wrap-up and calls to action

Notable Quotes: 

• For artificial intelligence to be intelligent, it first needs human intelligence.
• To improve your awareness and revenue for your interior design company, you have to be in tune with the customer experience of designers. 
• Good customer experience equals more brand awareness and more revenue.

Learn more about Thrive In Design: 

Website: https://www.thriveindesign.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/

 

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/

 

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.

S5, E2: AI Unveiled: Transforming the Landscape of Interior Design and Real Estate with Melissa Marsh

Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into design and architecture marks a transformative leap into a future where innovation meets efficiency. AI's impact is profound, streamlining the design process by analyzing vast datasets, predicting trends, and generating design possibilities in a short amount of time. The evolution of AI and its effective integration into the design processes with clients requires intelligence as a foundation for processing accurate and relevant data.

In this episode, Melissa Marsh shares more about AI, its intersection with real estate and interior design, and how they leverage it in their processes with clients. Melissa's pioneering work underscores the potential of AI, where data-driven insights guide decisions in crafting spaces that respond to aesthetic considerations and align with the needs and behaviors of the occupants.

Melissa is the founder and executive director of PLASTARC, a social research workplace innovation in real estate strategy consultancy. Her work leverages the tools of social science and business strategy to help organizations make more data-driven and people-centric real estate decisions. Melissa combines quantitative and qualitative social science research with architecture expertise and is dedicated to shifting the metrics associated with the workplace from sq ft and inches to occupancy satisfaction and performance. This holistic approach enables PLASTARC to recommend evidence-based interventions that make the built environment more people-centric and responsive, promoting individual wellness and business success.

Let's jump in!

Key Highlights from the Episode:

[00:01] Episode intro and a bit about our guest, Melissa Marsh

[02:38] Melissa's journey in work experience design and change management 

[06:19] PLASTARC and how it serves real estate and collaborates with the design industry in its work

[08:34] How Melissa collects data, contextualizes it, and makes it actionable for clients  

[12:17] Melissa's first introduction to the AI and her hesitant and excitement

[17:12] How Melissa has been leveraging AI in her processes with client

[21:01] Challenges with AI in the world of design and architecture 

[23:29] What you need to consider when it comes to ethics with AI 

[27:16] The evolution of AI and its intersection with real estate and interior design

[32:02] Integrating AI in product design and personalization in mass customization 

[34:57] Episode wrap-up and calls to action

Notable Quotes: 

• The number one energy leak in buildings is human behavior.
• To design better buildings, we have to understand people and the human operating system. 
• The problem with AI for the real estate industry is that we need intelligence first.
• AI is just data processing, so if we don’t have the data on what the desirable condition is, then we don’t have the foundation to inform the data processing. 
• Giving people information and feedback about their physical and digital space experiences helps the transformation and change journey.

Connect with Melissa Marsh

Website: https://plastarc.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaemarsh/

Learn more about Thrive In Design: 

Website: https://www.thriveindesign.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/

 

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/

 

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.

S5, E1: Thrive in Design: Unveiling Season 5 - Celebrating 5 Years of Innovation and Insights in the Interior Design World

Welcome to Season 5 of Thrive in Design! As we celebrate this milestone, we delve into some of the hot topics covered in Season 4. AI and sustainability were our main focus in 2023 within the interior design sphere, and their significance will only grow in 2024.

Interior designers often express concerns about AI replacing their creativity and altering various roles in the industry. However, from our previous conversations and this season's discussions, you'll come to realize that AI is not something to fear but rather something you can embrace, regardless of your role in the industry.

In the realm of sustainability, we will explore how it integrates into your process of enhancing brand awareness and revenue for your interior product company. 

Additionally, we'll discuss key considerations for 2024 and beyond. To add an engaging element, we'll incorporate storytelling into the mix, demonstrating its relevance to the success of your interior design business concerning both AI and sustainability.

Are you ready to jump in?

 

Key Highlights from the Episode:

[00:01] Episode intro and what’s in for you today

[02:22] How Thrive in Design started

[02:59] How it started in 2019 as Nicole Lashae Consulting LLC

[04:24] Setting out to reach the market

[05:12] Leaving the interior design and the first virtual summit

[08:48] The Covid-19 ‘aha’ moment & opportunities that rebirthed the love for interior design

[12:57] Prevalent challenges in the interior design that Nicole leveraged on

[14:08] How generational gaps affect the design process and specifications

[15:49] 2021 rebranding into Thrive in Design and what the focus has been

[17:10] What to expect in season 5

[19:47] Episode wrap-up and calls to action

Notable Quotes: 

• Interior product companies struggle to get their team up to speed by leveraging social media, social selling, online sales funnels, and creating a consistent message across platforms.
• Many interior designers are scared of AI replacing them, especially as A&D Sales reps.
• Storytelling is an amazing pillar of the branding and marketing of your interior product company.

 

Resources Mentioned:

1. ThinkLab Reports: https://info.thinklab.design/reports

Learn more about Thrive In Design: 

Website: https://www.thriveindesign.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/

 

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.

S4, E7: REPLAY: How To Work With Thrive In Design + Nicole Lashae Ben

Nicole started Thrive In Design to help interior product companies take a deep dive into their customer’s journey and reimagine an experience that doesn't solely depend on in-person interactions. For the last 10 years, she has helped interior product companies, including Koroseal, Lamin-Art, and USAI Lighting, collectively gain millions of dollars in sales.

 

Nicole started as an Architectural Sales Representative in the New York City design market. When tasked with a sales goal each year, she always started positioning products the traditional way... making contact with design firms, presenting products, landing a spec, and following the spec until the sale was processed. 

 

Join this conversation and learn more about her journey, how she has progressed and how she can take your interior product company to the next level. Get reintroduced to A.C.E The Journey, her proprietary research method, and the four ways you can work with Thrive In Design.

 

Ready to jump in?

 

Key Highlights from the Episode:

[00:01] Episode intro and what’s in for you today

[01:15] Something disturbing that has happened in Nicole’s company

[04:27] The mission of Thrive In Design

[06:15] Our clientele

[08:21] How Thrive In Design can best serve you

[08:45] A.C.E The Journey - Our Proprietary Method 

[10:17] Our four core service offerings

[10:35] Customer journey audit and strategic planning

[13:27] Leveraging social selling in interior design

[17:50] Speaking engagement opportunities 

[19:01] Quick recap 

Notable Quotes: 

• Obstacles have hidden opportunities.
• Understand your customer’s pain points and devise ways to address them. 

Learn more about Thrive In Design: 

Website: https://www.thriveindesign.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/

 

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/

 

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.

S4, E6: Bringing Nature Indoors: Exploring The Transformative Power of Biophilic Design with Lily Turner

Biophilic design brings numerous benefits to both individuals and the environment. Connection with nature can profoundly impact our overall well-being. By incorporating living walls into interior spaces, we can seamlessly bring the beauty and vitality of the natural world indoors. These living walls not only serve as aesthetically pleasing design elements but also contribute to air purification, sound absorption, and environmental enhancement and foster a sense of tranquility and relaxation, effectively reducing stress levels and improving psychological health. In this episode, Lily Turner delves deeper into the world of biophilic designs and explores the installation and benefits of green walls. She shares valuable insights on how to ensure you choose the appropriate green wall system that seamlessly integrates with every aspect of your project for the long term.

 

Lily is a biophilic designer and living wall specialist. She currently serves as a Director of Green Walls at Urbanstrong, an award-winning Green building firm based in Brooklyn, NY. Urbanstrong has a mission to integrate nature into cities in a way that efficiently promotes profitability, health, sustainability, and beauty. The Urbanstrong team has installed hundreds of thousands of square feet of green wall projects throughout the greater northeast over the past decade. Their projects have included iconic landmarks, schools, offices, restaurants and condos. Today, Lily works closely with architects, designers and contractors to best offer a technology suited to their budget, design parameters and skills. 

 

Read to tune in?

 

Key Highlights from the Episode:

[00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of today’s guest: Lily Turner

[01:44] Lily's career journey and what inspired her passion for biophilic design 

[04:26] Lily's process bringing the outside into the built environment 

[06:50] Urbanstrong and their mission

[07:06] How Urbanstrong promotes profitability, health, sustainability and beauty

[10:10] How companies can bring biophilic design into their workplace

[11:40] How Lily's biophilic design conversation with a developer differs from a designer 

[13:28] Things specifiers need to consider within green wall systems 

[16:09] When to reach out in your design process to ensure you have the right system

[17:36] The installation process and maintenance of living walls

[19:52] How to reach out and learn more about Urbanstrong 

[21:07] Episode wrap-up and calls to action

Notable Quotes: 

• Whether you want green infrastructure or design for aesthetics, air purification, or just to absorb sound, green wall systems can be very beneficial.
• Biophilic interiors are where we are moving; it’s progressive, and it’s needed; it’s not an amenity, but a necessity.
• Your green, living wall will likely outlive you.

Let’s Connect:

Lily Turner 

Website: https://urbanstrong.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-turner-29aa9871/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/urbanstrongnyc/?hl=en

Learn more about Thrive In Design: 

Website: https://www.thriveindesign.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/

 

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/

 

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.