Episodes
Can consistency in your brand's voice make or break your design business? Join us on Designer Discussions as Jason, Maria, and Mirjam unravel the secrets to building a digital brand that resonates with reliability and professionalism. Discover the art of crafting comprehensive brand guidelines, covering everything from logo variations and font styles to mission statements. By maintaining uniformity across all digital platforms, your brand becomes easily recognizable and trusted by clients. Wh...
Published 11/21/24
Can you imagine transforming the way you manage business tasks with just one tool? Join us as we unlock the future of design office efficiency with ChatGPT's latest advancements. This episode, featuring Maria's expert insights, promises to equip you with the knowledge to revolutionize your workflow. From structuring emails and drafting presentations to handling difficult customer interactions, discover how these new features can save you time and reduce stress. By utilizing the groundbreaking...
Published 11/07/24
Discover how to transform your work environment with insights from Dr. Katie Thomas, a seasoned organizational psychologist and founder of Better Work Experience. With over two decades in the field, Dr. Thomas shares her expertise on the pivotal role of leadership as the steady anchor amidst the chaos of modern work life. From navigating generational diversity to adapting to technological disruptions, she emphasizes the necessity of self-awareness and trust-building in leadership. Through ass...
Published 10/24/24
Can digital PR platforms truly transform your business? Tune in to uncover how the evolution of these platforms, starting with Peter Shankman's pioneering HARO, has reshaped the landscape for design professionals seeking press coverage. You'll gain insights into Shankman's latest venture, Source of Sources (SOS), which aims to rekindle HARO's original accessibility. As we navigate this transformative PR terrain, we also address the pivotal role of AI, cautioning against over-reliance on short...
Published 10/10/24
Ready to revolutionize your marketing and PR game? Discover the groundbreaking Designer Discussions Academy, where we break down complicated strategies into manageable, impactful actions. This episode unveils the Academy's unique approach, led by our very own "Dr. Flankenstein" (Jason), designed to help design professionals overcome the hurdles of effective marketing. Learn how our weekly Q&A sessions and comprehensive curriculum can transform your brand into the go-to name in your commun...
Published 09/26/24
Can networking feel daunting, especially if you're not a social butterfly? Imagine turning casual conversations into powerful business opportunities without stepping too far out of your comfort zone. Join Jason, Maria, and Miriam on this episode of Designer Discussions as we unravel the secrets of networking tailored for design professionals. Whether it's leveraging LinkedIn connections, engaging with professional organizations like ASID and NKBA, or even educating your own family and friends...
Published 09/12/24
What if everything you thought you knew about copyright and AI was turned upside down? In this eye-opening episode of Designer Discussions, Maria takes us on a deep dive into the murky waters of AI-generated content and its legal implications for design professionals. Prepare to uncover the crucial distinctions between human-made creations and AI-generated images, and why the latter remains unprotected in the public domain. Through riveting examples and real-world scenarios, Maria reveals the...
Published 08/29/24
Ready to elevate your PR game in 2024? Discover the latest must-have tools and strategies that will keep you ahead of the curve. Miriam sheds light on the shifting PR landscape, spotlighting three essential platforms: Connectively (formerly HARO), Quoted, and the new Source of Sources (SOS). Each platform offers distinct advantages, from robust paid subscriptions to a rapidly growing free service. Join us as we explore these tools and share actionable insights to make your PR efforts more eff...
Published 08/15/24
Ever wondered how to revolutionize your email marketing strategy to maximize engagement and open rates? Tune in to the latest episode of Designer Discussions, where Jason, Miriam, and Maria reveal insider tips on leveraging email automation uniquely tailored for design professionals. Jason refreshes insights from his NKBA presentation, emphasizing the critical role of personalization in email campaigns. Discover how to create effective workflows, segment your audience, and utilize AI to draft...
Published 08/01/24
Can you imagine not being able to visualize your dream home, even when described in vivid detail? Join us as Maria uncovers the intriguing world of aphantasia, a condition that makes it challenging for some clients to picture design concepts. Discover how this "mind blindness" influences their decision-making and learn creative strategies to bridge the gap between a designer's vision and a client's visualization abilities. Using insights from Scientific American and compelling real-life scena...
Published 07/18/24
Have you ever considered the environmental cost of using AI in your interior design projects? Join us as Maria sheds light on the surprising amount of energy needed to generate AI images, comparing it to more familiar energy consumptions like charging a smartphone. We delve into the often-overlooked environmental footprint of AI processing centers, discussing the enormous amounts of energy and water they consume. For interior designers committed to sustainable practices, this episode is a mus...
Published 07/04/24
Can the right content type exponentially increase your website traffic? Discover the insider secrets as Miriam, Jason, and Maria highlight the top three types of content that can turn your design website into a traffic powerhouse. This episode promises to equip you with actionable strategies to draw in a crowd, from creating compelling how-to guides and eye-catching infographics to engaging videos that showcase your expertise.Join us as Jason unpacks how-to guides that not only attract DIY en...
Published 06/20/24
Embark on a transformative journey through the ever-evolving landscape of design journalism with us. Discover how the humble beginnings of personal blogging catapulted into professional powerhouses like Design Milk and Apartment Therapy, with insights from Miriam, a pioneer in the blogosphere. Witness the seismic shift to Instagram and TikTok, unveiling how these platforms are rewriting the rules for trend-spotting and media research. As we reminisce about the mid-2010s—the pivotal moment whe...
Published 06/06/24
Discover the startling truth behind the investor-driven revolution in home design as we unpack the effects of private equity's stronghold on the market. With 44% of last year's home flips attributed to investors, you'll get an inside look at how this shift is not just altering the landscape of homeownership, but also redefining the value and investment we place in our living spaces. This episode peels back the layers on the surge of short-term rentals and its implications for the interior des...
Published 05/23/24
Discover the seismic shift in the PR universe with the transformation of HARO into Connectively, and the ripple effects it's created across the industry. Our PR whisperer, Miriam, takes you through the dramatic evolution of this vital service, from its 2008 inception by PR guru Peter Shankman to its controversial revamp by Cision. Get ready to grasp the full implications it holds for your business and PR strategy.As we unravel the layers of HARO's metamorphosis, we'll also consider Shankman's...
Published 05/09/24
Unlock the full potential of your design collaborations with our latest episode, where I, joined by Miriam and our special guest, Maria, reveal the secrets to forging powerful brand partnerships in the world of interior design. We delve into Maria's triumphs at KBiz and provide a wealth of expertise on how to approach brands, pitch perfect content, and use strategic timing to get your projects featured in top magazines. We're not just sharing our experiences; we're equipping you with the tool...
Published 04/25/24
Could the rise of Search Generative Experience (SGE) spell the end for traditional SEO? That's the burning question Jason and Maria tackle in today's engaging discussion. As AI reshapes the way Google Search operates, we peel back the layers of this intricate digital evolution. Prepare to have your mind expanded as we reveal the strategies that will not only preserve, but elevate, your website's content in the age of SGE. Dive into the nitty-gritty with us and grasp the continuing importance...
Published 04/11/24
Discover the seismic shifts that have rocked the digital marketing world as our hosts Jason, Maria, and Miriam, guide you through the transformative events of the past five years. We're unmasking the effects of the pandemic that shoved businesses into the online arena, escalating competition, and driving up ad costs. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. We're talking about the social media juggernaut's leap with the rise of TikTok, forcing platforms to adapt with a newfound emphasis on...
Published 03/28/24
Prepare to illuminate your world with insights from Jan Rutgers, an industry savant fresh from KBS 2024, as she casts a light on revolutionary interior design trends. This episode is a treasure trove that promises to enrich your understanding of how cutting-edge cabinet lighting is transforming the way we dwell, with innovations like adjustable shelf lighting and temperature control setting the stage for a new era of functionality and style. Water-resistant lighting for showers and the serene...
Published 03/14/24
Unlock the secret to transforming a designer's portfolio with the help of Tori Sikkema, a virtuoso in interior, architectural, and lifestyle photography. Through an engaging dialogue, Tori demystifies the indispensable role professional photography plays in propelling designers into the spotlight of press and publications. She offers her seasoned perspective on the nuances of choosing a photographer whose aesthetic complements a designer’s vision and shares how to harness the power of social...
Published 02/29/24
Ever found yourself at a trade show, admiring brands and wondering how to spark a collaboration that goes beyond a quick exchange of business cards? That’s precisely what we tackle in our latest Designer Discussions podcast. Join Miriam, Maria, and myself along with our guest experts, as we peel back the curtain on the art of conversation at events like KBS. We're not just talking any chat, but the kind that forges partnerships with impact. From navigating the nuances of licensing deals to...
Published 02/15/24
Ever wonder how your favorite brands capture their essence in every tweet, ad, and email? That's the power of a consistent brand voice, and this podcast is your ticket to unlocking it for your own business. Join us—Jason, Maria, and Miriam—as we dive into the world of branding with the aid of emerging AI technologies like ChatGPT. We'll expose the heart and soul of what makes a brand's communication tick, and show you how to emulate it across every channel, ensuring your message is not just...
Published 02/01/24
Step into the future of design with our eye-opening discussion on the top digital marketing trends for 2024, tailored to transform your interior design or renovation business. As you sip your morning coffee, join Miriam, Jason, and our AI virtuoso, Maria, in uncovering the landscape of upcoming innovations that promise to keep your brand at the forefront. We don't just talk theory; we equip you with the practical know-how to harness these trends, from SEO to the dynamic world of social...
Published 01/18/24
How will 2024 unfold for you as an interior designer or webop? Give your journey a formidable head start with our dynamic discussion on planning, marketing, PR, and business development, specifically tailored to your industry. You'll find invaluable tips from us - your hosts, Jason, Maria, and Miriam - on reverse-engineering your goals and optimizing your website for voice-activated search. Maria, our resident AI expert, will reveal why personalized content could be your competitive edge in...
Published 01/04/24