Resources and Resolutions

Ask many of the 50,000 interior designers in the US what they considered their best resources to be and the list would probably include catalogs, local showrooms, design centers such as The Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC), The International Home Furnishing Market in High Point, websites, and samples (fabrics, carpets, trims, etc.). In 2005 Anita Holland Interiors made two major decisions - to expand and renovate our studio at The Cedar Street Center and to find other types of resources such as a business advisor or consultant specializing in the interior design profession.

As a member of an ASID Peer Group of twelve ASID designers in Charlotte, I have relationships with professionals with whom I consult regarding business and/or client issues. The Peer Group meets monthly so help is readily available at a meeting or by email. We are peers, mentors and friends as we endeavor to maintain high standards of interior design and bring the best to our clients. I sometimes wondered how designers survived without this resource. Little did I know that others were thinking about the same concept - networking with other professionals nationwide?

In June 2005 I read a fascinating article in INTERIORS & SOURCES by David Shepherd entitled "A Prescription for Profit". David Shepherd has taught strategic planning and small business management for over ten years at the University of Texas - Austin. He is the author of Your Business or Your Life. David became intrigued by the rapidly changing nature of the interior design industry and formed Designing Profits, Inc. which sponsors conferences and workshops for interior designers. David has recently founded Best Practices Network (BPN) with 100 members [each member is from an exclusive geographic market] who share a common desire in succeed and to help fellow members in the interior profession. I am one of the newest members of BPN.

In October 2005, I attended a conference and retreat in Las Vegas sponsored by Designing Profits, Inc. and facilitated by David. The intense two-day conference on the "Business of Design" addressed issues that designers face every day. The material covered everything from analyzing your Core Competency to Marketing to Technology. We were encouraged to take "leaps" to make important changes in our business practice. I returned from Las Vegas energized by the seminars and by talking to the other 75 attendees in small group discussions. I have reservations to attend the three-day conference in Las Vegas next year.

While we were in Las Vegas, Lloyd Princeton led a seminar in Charlotte as part of the Carolina's Chapter ASID annual meeting. Lloyd Princeton is a New York based management consultant to interior designers, architects and manufacturers. His Design Management Company helps companies throughout the US find the right clients and establish better business practices in today's fast-paced world.

I asked my design assistant, Anne, to attend the seminar entitled "Deciding What You're Worth and Charging for It". Anne took five pages of notes and insisted that I attend Lloyd's next seminar at the upcoming Home Furnishing Market in High Point.

Since then I have attended two seminars with Lloyd as the speaker. The first one in High Point was the same lecture that Anne had heard. The second lecture was sponsored by Kravet and held at K. Saks Showroom in Charlotte and focused on marketing. Lloyd's presentations are humorous and very informative. Anita Holland Interiors is in the process of implementing many of the operating procedures outlined by Design Management.

We thought it would be interesting for our readers to understand that we try to improve ourselves all the time at not only the aesthetics pieces of interior design but also the business practices of interior design. Our resolution for 2006 is to be better each and every day than we were the day before.

Wishing each of you a New Year of Peace and Happiness.

Anita

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