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If you are a leader in architectural and design sales aiming to innovate in the future of the interior design industry, then the Thrive In Design Podcast is for you! Join your host, Nicole Lashae Ben, a Design Strategist and Innovation Enthusiast, as she shares her expertise and interviews industry experts. Gain valuable insights on dominating the market by adapting to shifting demands and creating engaging digital experiences for designers. Each week, Nicole delivers inspirational content designed to help you exceed revenue goals for your interior product company while making a lasting impact on the built environment.
Episodes
Thursday Aug 03, 2023
Thursday Aug 03, 2023
Interior designers are vital in shaping how we experience and interact with the built environment. By embracing technology and sustainability, they can create innovative spaces that look aesthetically pleasing and prioritize environmental consciousness. Join this conversation with Robert Ancill and learn more.
Robert Ancill shares how his passion for positively impacting people's lives through their living spaces led him to pursue a career in interior design. He founded TNI Design, a design agency that creates beautiful interior and architectural designs for homes and businesses. With restaurant design as one of his specialties, he highlights the impact of technology on this industry and provides a glimpse into the future of interior design.
Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of sustainability in interior design and how it can revolutionize the field. Designers can prioritize beauty and responsibility by using eco-friendly materials and creating energy-efficient spaces.
Ready to jump in?
Key Highlights from the Episode:
[00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of today’s guest: Robert Ancill
[01:43] What inspired Robert to pursue a career in design
[05:58] The birth of Robert’s brainchild; TNI Design
[09:50] The importance of a defined methodology in approaching design projects
[11:39] Why mood boards are no longer necessary in interior design
[12:42] How Robert has witnessed the evolution of restaurant design
[16:40] How different clients are embracing sustainability in their designs
[19:27] Integrating Technology in interior design and Its Future
[23:11] How AI will disrupt interior design
[24:22] How product manufacturers can support interior designers
[26:50] New and exciting things that Robert is working on
[29:48] The best ways to reach out and connect with Robert Ancill
[30:06] Episode wrap-up and calls to action
Notable Quotes:
- Most interior designers find themselves in the career out of their love and passion for impacting people's lives in their space.
- Having a defined working methodology in interior design is not always easy. Every client has their desires and ideas that should always be respected.
- Sustainability has been gaining traction in the interior design landscape and will be the next big thing in the industry.
- AI is a double-edged sword. It reduces the need for human workers, helping businesses cut a lot of expenses on human capital, while on the other hand, people lose jobs.
Let’s Connect:
Robert Ancill
Website: https://www.tnidesign.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tnidesign/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertancill/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thenextidea
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.
Friday Jul 28, 2023
Friday Jul 28, 2023
As an A&D (Architecture and Design) sales representative, your role involves understanding the design process from a unique perspective. You must understand the nuances of aesthetics, functionality, and client preferences each day. Leveraging AI can significantly enhance your days’ outcomes by empowering you to be more productive and appear in the market with a more profound impact. AI tools like Chat GPT and Crystal Knows serve as game-changer, allowing you to expedite vital information that can enhance your marketing and prospecting. With the ability to process data and generate information in seconds, AI enables you to address customer queries, provide design recommendations, and offer personalized solutions promptly and efficiently. Embracing AI in your sales process can be a strategic advantage, optimizing your overall productivity and success in the competitive A&D sales industry.
In this episode, your host, Nicole, shares more about AI that are helpful for any architecture and design sales representative. Tune in and learn how you can leverage these five tools to enhance your creative process and create an amazing customer experience.
Tune in?
Key Highlights from the Episode:
[00:01] Episode intro and what in for you in today’s show
[02:03] Nicole's experience as an A&D sales rep and what she believes reps desperately need
[04:21] How to A.C.E. the customer journey to provide an amazing experience
[06:10] AI tools that A&D sales reps can use to better their sales and creative processes
[07:42] Ways to use ChatGPT as an A&D sales rep
[11:30] AI tool, Crystal Knows and four other tools, and how to use it as a rep to prospect
[16:22] Wrap-up and end of the show
Notable Quotes:
- As an A&D sales rep, you are always a designer in a different way.
- As a sales rep, how you appear in the market ties into your brand awareness.
- AI is a game changer; it can speed up sales processes to a few seconds.
Let’s Connect:
>> Download the PDF of 5 AI Tools for A&D Reps:
Website: ai.thriveindesign.co
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.
Thursday Jul 20, 2023
Thursday Jul 20, 2023
In today's digital age, using AI is a game-changer for designers. AI tools like Chat GPT and Google’s BARD can help you develop amazing design ideas. These tools combine human imagination with AI's smarts to create groundbreaking inspiration. Whether new to design or a pro, AI lets you push the boundaries of creativity. Join this conversation with JinJa Birkenbeuel and learn how to unlock your imagination with the endless possibilities of AI.
JinJa Birkenbeuel is a highly accomplished serial entrepreneur and visionary leader, currently serving as CEO of Birk Creative. With over 20 years of experience, she is recognized as an award-winning strategist, technologist, and creative executive. JinJa's expertise extends to enterprise brand strategy, creative development, visual identity systems, and the implementation of customer and talent acquisition strategies through social and digital media.
Featured in Fast Company Magazine and Forbes Magazine, she is a trusted thought leader who has played a pivotal role as a collaborating architect of the renowned Google Digital Coaches program, acquired by Grow With Google. JinJa's unwavering commitment to excellence drives innovation and empowers organizations to thrive in today's competitive business landscape.
Ready to jump in?
Key Highlights from the Episode:
[00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of today’s guest: JinJa Birkenbeuel
[02:28] What inspired JinJa to start Birk Creative
[06:18] The types of companies JinJa’s agency helps
[09:12] Why JinJa is AI obsessed
[14:00] Common challenges with the AI
[17:22] Contrast between Google’s BARD and Chat GPT
[23:06] JinJa’s design process and the integration of AI platforms
[28:38] JinJa’s predictions on the future of AI
[32:44] The best ways to reach out and connect with JinJa Birkenbeuel
[33:32] Episode wrap-up and calls to action
Notable Quotes:
- Social media tools are mostly for consumption. We rarely use them for creation. AI tools are available for creation.
- Chat GGT and Bard do not use the same language model. You will get two different answers for the same thing you ask of both tools.
- Chat GPT came into operation using a long-time Google invention.
- AI pushes people to unleash their creative strategic thinking processes to solve problems. Critical thinking leads to creation, and if you can create, you can survive
Let’s Connect:
JinJa Birkenbeuel
Website: https://www.birkcreative.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birkcreative/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/birkcreative/
Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/birkcreative
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.
Thursday Jul 13, 2023
Thursday Jul 13, 2023
The Metaverse world is not as daunting as it may seem and doesn't have to be an eccentric utopia. Rather, it can be an architectural realm where we put our designs and use them in diverse ways. As designers, knowing the meaning and the difference between Metaverse, Digital Twin, AI, and AGI is essential in understanding how we can leverage them to light our creative designs and enhance outcomes within our businesses. Harnessing these tools enables us to gauge human behavior and design a more collaborative environment, ultimately driving positive changes and improving outcomes. In this episode, Erin McDannald shares more about Metaverse, smart buildings, and how you can learn more about human behavior in our built environment.
Erin McDannald is the CEO and owner of Lighting Environments and its sister company, Environments. She has guided clients through the lighting design and construction process for over two decades. Trained as an interior designer, McDannald joined Baldinger in the sales department in 2003 before becoming co-owner in 2009. Under her leadership, the company rebranded to Lighting Environments to reflect the company’s expansion into lighting technology offerings for all built environments.
Now a pioneer for IoT, also known as the Internet of Things, integration, and building in workplace management, Erin is leading today's workforce through powerful digital transformation with an elevated Environment app. Environment is an IoT integrator and software development company offering full-scale adaptable solutions supporting businesses from end to end, from energy to health management. Through every service, Environment elevates physical spaces to allow for cutting-edge interactions and collaborations with the digital twin, metaverse, and beyond.
Ready to jump in?
Key Highlights from the Episode:
[00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of today’s guest: Erin McDannald
[02:22] What inspired Erin to pursue interior architecture and a career in interior design
[03:19] Erin's recent inspiration from her role with Environments
[05:02] Environments, what they do, and Erin's specialty
[07:48] A breakdown of the Metaverse, Digital Twins, AI, and AGI
[12:00] How Digital twins are becoming functional
[15:15] Data points for understanding how people are using workplaces
[17:05] How companies can leverage data to design a collaborative work environment
[20:08] IOT and Elevated Environment app and how companies can leverage them
[21:34] Erin's final words on Metaverse, technology, and data
[22:18] The best ways to reach out and connect with Erin at Environments
[22:51] Episode wrap-up and calls to action
Notable Quotes:
- It’s important for consumers to know the difference between AI and AGI because how we’re feeding AGI these days can be dangerous.
- We look at data for buildings in two-dimensional and text, but we don’t look at it in a third dimension.
- A smart building is often attributed to the construction budget, but it goes far beyond the construction budget to the operating budget.
- The insights that you gain through smart building go way beyond energy.
Let’s Connect:
Erin McDannald
Website: https://www.environments.tech/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/environmentsbyle/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/environments-by-le/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/environmentsbyLE/
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.
Thursday Jul 06, 2023
Thursday Jul 06, 2023
AI has found its way into interior design, revolutionizing the way designers visualize and present their ideas. Despite the fears, it’s becoming clear through experiences that AI is not a threat, but rather a tool that can augment your skills and creativity in many areas of the interior design industry. Integrating AI in interior design and design sales can increase productivity, improve accuracy, and enhance client engagement. However, you have to overcome your fears and reservations to leverage AI’s potential. We believe that it can be a supplemental tool to make your work easier and increase your speed as a professional in the industry. By embracing AI and staying abreast of its advancements, you can harness its capabilities to create stunning and innovative spaces as a designer and amazing experiences as a manufacturer to make the specification process easier and more enjoyable.
In this episode, Nicole shed light on AI's positive impact on interior design. Through her experience and conversations with designers and interior product manufacturers, she has witnessed AI making its way into interior design platforms, product designs, and sales processes. By sharing these insights, Nicole aims to help you become more confident in embracing and integrating AI into your daily processes.
Ready to tune in?
Key Highlights from the Episode:
[00:01] Episode intro and a bit about Thrive In Design
[03:24] Season 4 focus theme, Artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability
[06:16] The definition of AI
[09:46] Using Chat GPT/AI in interior design and Nicole’s experience
[14:03] Thinking about AI integration in three different ways: now, near, and far
[16:35] How AI is coming up in interior design platforms
[19:07] The fear of AI and why it’s not here to take your place
[21:10] Episode wrap-up and calls to action
Notable Quotes:
- AI is basically taking technology and making your life a little bit easier.
- Always think of AI as how you can incorporate it into existing processes to speed up your work.
- AI is not taking anybody’s place, especially in interior design, because our minds are creative, and we were made for this.
- Don’t fear being obsolete; instead, just embrace AI, learn about it, and incorporate it into your system.
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.
Thursday Mar 23, 2023
Thursday Mar 23, 2023
Do you want to take a leap and develop your product as an interior designer or scale your existing one? Where should you start, and what do you need to do differently from your competitors? Wendy Noory joins us in this conversation to share her story in interior product development and sales, how she started her company, and the trajectory she has taken.
In addition to the several processes required to develop and launch a product, Wendy shares the lessons she learned from international interior companies and how they approach product development and being on the forefront of design trends. This is an amazing conversation to learn how you can implement innovative strategies for your business and collaborate with others in the industry. She also talks about why you need to understand color theory, one of the most important elements in the interior product industry.
Wendy Noory is a creative master planner, CMG member, IIDA Industry Member - Trend/Color Forecasting, Interior Product Development strategist, Brand Refresher, and the founder of Chromatixhue, a woven textile and interior products company for the Architectural and Interior Design community.
Ready to jump in?
Key Highlights from the Episode:
[00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of today’s guest; Wendy Noory
[03:09] What inspired Wendy to pursue an education and career in interior design
[06:17] How her interest in interior design has taken an amazing trajectory
[11:07] A quick snippet of Wendy’s own product line and how it came about
[13:33] A product development and launch process from large brands
[16:27] The interior design niche that Wendy’s products are good for
[20:25] How Wendy integrates her knowledge of color into interior design and product development
[23:22] Wendy’s advice to people starting their journey in interior products
[25:29] New and exciting things Wendy is working on in her company in 2023
[26:23] Best ways to reach out and connect with Wendy
[26:50] Episode wrap-up and calls to action
Notable Quotes:
- Your natural inclinations and passion as a child or teenager are always in line with your purpose in life and business.
- Color is one of the most important things in interior design, yet it is not well addressed in college interior design programs.
- Be patient in what you do. It may take time, but it will truly come if you have passion.
- Being an island in creating an interior product will not take you far. Reach out to others, connect with people who have done what you aspire to, and learn from them.
Resources Mentioned:
- The Color Marketing Group: https://colormarketing.org/
Let’s Connect:
Wendy Noory
Website: https://www.chromatixhue.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chromatixhue
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendynoory/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chromatixhue
Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendy_noory/
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.
Friday Mar 17, 2023
Friday Mar 17, 2023
In part one of Revamping Your Customer Experience with A.C.E The Journey, we talked about two different scenarios of real-life interior product companies. We walked through a little bit of their customer journey, some things they were struggling with, and how those struggles can tie into the A.C.E The Journey, our proprietary method at Thrive In Design.
In this second and last part, we will go over two more scenarios. As a reminder, these are real companies that Nicole has encountered over her career in the interior design industry. If the scenarios resonate with you, let’s start the conversation on how your interior product company can begin to revamp the customer journey and experience.
Ready to jump in?
Key Highlights from the Episode:
[00:01] Episode intro and overview
[01:58] What we talked about in part one
[03:14] Scenario One: Interior Product Company Orange
[04:44] A quick recap of what A.C.E The Journey is
[06:07] Company Orange A.C.E analysis and recommendations
[13:15] Scenario Two: Interior Product Company Apple
[15:56] Company Apple A.C.E analysis and recommendations
[21:30] A quick recap and call to action
Notable Quotes:
- A lot of interior product companies crumbled when the pandemic hit because they could not effectively pivot from in-person interactions to online.
- Sales reps must know that Millenials and Gen Z prefer virtual interactions over in-person ones. Let’s bridge generational gaps.
- 78% of social sellers sell more than reps who don’t leverage social selling.
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.
Thursday Mar 09, 2023
Thursday Mar 09, 2023
It’s no secret that at Thrive In Design, we believe that the key to increasing brand awareness and revenue for your interior product company is tied to your customer experience. That’s why we rely heavily on A.C.E. The Journey, our proprietary method, which allows us to do a deep dive into understanding how a designer learns about your products, how they specify them, and, finally, how the materials are procured.
It’s one thing to talk about A.C.E. The Journey in theory. It’s another thing to hear how this method applies to REAL interior product companies. In this episode, Nicole introduces two interior product companies and identifies what parts of their customer experience could use some TLC. Let’s find out what they are doing well and where they can improve. Hopefully, this will spark some interesting conversations and force you to take a paradigm shift in how you run your interior product business.
Ready to jump in?
Key Highlights from the Episode:
[00:01] Episode intro and overview
[02:25] The key to increasing your brand awareness
[02:38] What is A.C.E The Journey?
[04:50] Interior Product Company scenario A and their A.C.E analysis
[08:33] Strategic recommendations for scenario A
[12:57] Interior Product Company scenario B and their A.C.E analysis
[14:18] Strategic recommendations for scenario B
[19:21] A quick recap
[21:22] Call to action
Notable Quotes:
- It all comes down to mastering the customer journey to increase your brand awareness and revenue.
- With effective brand awareness, you can succeed in your business.
- Doing the same processes in your business will only give you the same results.
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.
Sunday Mar 05, 2023
Sunday Mar 05, 2023
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.
Thursday Feb 23, 2023
Thursday Feb 23, 2023
We are ending Black History Month with a special conversation as Nicole Lashae Ben, CEO of Thrive In Design, and Tamara Archer, a returning guest, share their experiences navigating the interior design industry as black women. Since 2020, there has been a rise in conversation and increased focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The interior design industry has only scratched the surface on these efforts.
Nicole and Tamara, both graduated from interior design school with honors and one of the world’s top art and design schools for graduate school, but each faced discrimination and had potential employers question their abilities. Listen in to learn how they navigated these challenges, finally got a chance to thrive, and how they’ve each created their own lanes in an industry where it’s rare to see someone that looks like them. The duo also shares how they hope to see leaders in the industry take strides forward this year and in years to come.
Tamara Archer is the Founder and CEO of T.Archer Design, a boutique interior design firm specializing in hospitality and residential. Raised in Brooklyn, NY, with Trinidadian roots, her design aesthetic is inspired by different cultures, world travel, architecture, and nature. Tamara’s approach to creating beautiful, timeless interiors involves an exotic flair with an urban edge. She enjoys helping her clients improve the energy in their homes and businesses to find balance with designs that inspire, relax, and rejuvenate. Tamara has a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and a Master’s degree in Design Management.
Ready to jump in?
Key Highlights from the Episode:
[00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Tamara Archer
[01:53] What has recently been inspiring Tamara in interior design
[03:15] Tamara’s transition from residential design to hospitality
[05:24] Her journey in hospitality design
[07:13] What comes to Tamara’s mind when she hears DEI in interior design
[08:30] Tamara’s experiences of exclusion as a black woman in this industry
[10:19] How creating her own space gave her room for inclusion
[11:39] What do stakeholders in the interior design space need to do for the DEI initiative
[14:58] Impact of remote working on Tamara’s work
[15:48] How hybrid work and digital experience will shape the future of interior design
[16:51] Adaptations Tamara does in the interior design projects for DEI and hybrid work
[18:11] Episode’s golden nuggets from the guest
[19:08] New and exciting things that Tamara is working on in her company and the best ways to connect
[19:35] Episode wrap-up and calls to action
Notable Quotes:
- Hospitality design is much broader than just hotels and resorts.
- If the opportunities are not available for you, create one for yourself.
- Remote working helps designers find jobs in diversified places and industries without relocating.
- The secrets to thriving in interior design environments with discrimination are believing in yourself and not giving up.
- Keep looking for resources to learn and evolve as a designer. Eventually, people will see and recognize you from your work.
Stay Connected
Tamara Archer
Website: https://www.tarcherdesign.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/t.archerdesign/
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.