In this episode, Brian sits down with Ronelle Hills from Seigerman's Furniture, a 50,000-square-foot showroom that specializes in customized furniture and offers services to interior designers. The conversation dives into the intricacies of furniture customization, exploring how Seigerman's provides a range of customizable options, from fabrics to dimensions, to meet clients' unique space requirements. Ronelle explains that custom furniture has grown in demand, particularly due to its flexibility in fitting awkward spaces and allowing customers to personalize their selections down to every detail.

The episode also covers the importance of space planning for interior designers, emphasizing how layout and functionality are key in designing both aesthetically pleasing and practical living spaces. Ronnell touches on how furniture fits into this process, including the role of technology such as 3D renders and augmented reality in helping clients visualize their designs. The conversation rounds out with a discussion on current trends in the furniture industry, particularly the move away from gray tones and toward more natural colors and fully upholstered furniture.

Listeners will gain insight into the value of customized furniture, trends from industry events like High Point Market, and practical advice for designers on choosing the right pieces for their clients.

In this episode, host Brian welcomes Eric Vogel from Coastal Cabinet Works, where they dive into the world of outdoor kitchens. Eric, who leads the outdoor kitchen division, shares his expertise on how outdoor kitchen trends have evolved, especially post-COVID, and offers valuable insights for both homeowners and designers.

Eric explains how outdoor kitchens have transitioned from simple setups with a grill to more elaborate, fully functional spaces that include stainless steel cabinets, warming drawers, wine coolers, and even dishwashers. He emphasizes the importance of planning ahead, as outdoor kitchen projects often require coordinating with larger outdoor projects, like gas, electrical, and plumbing installations. The conversation also touches on the importance of integrating outdoor kitchens with indoor spaces, highlighting the need for a seamless aesthetic flow between the two.

They also explore the role of technology and sustainability in outdoor kitchen designs. While technology in cabinetry has primarily focused on improving durability and weather resistance, the discussion hints at the potential for future innovations like smart grills that could be controlled remotely. Sustainability remains a key consideration, with stainless steel cabinets being highlighted for their recyclability.

For those interested in building their outdoor kitchen, Eric advises starting with a clear budget and understanding that it is a luxury investment. He also stresses the importance of including must-haves like a grill, sink, and trash pull-out for the best return on investment.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Coastal Cabinet Works: https://www.coastalcabinetworks.com/

CCW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coastalcabinetworks

As always, you can learn more about our host Brian Berkowitz:

Brian's Website: https://www.brianberkowitzphoto.com

Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianberko

In this episode of the IDS Podcast, host Brian interviews Marie Byrne, an accomplished interior designer, educator, and the Treasurer of the IDS organization. Marie shares her unique journey from a returning student to a dual career in interior design and education. She currently teaches at Molloy University, where she inspires emerging designers with her passion for both design and teaching.

The conversation kicks off with Marie discussing her unexpected transition into teaching and how it has enriched her career. Brian and Marie then delve into the importance of formal education versus hands-on training in interior design. Marie emphasizes the need for a solid educational foundation, including technical skills like drawing floor plans to scale and understanding color theory, while also highlighting the invaluable experience gained from internships and fieldwork.

Marie advises aspiring designers to actively participate in networking events and join professional organizations like IDS (Interior Design Society) to build connections and gain industry insights. She also touches on the value of volunteering and pro bono work, both as a way to give back and to gain experience and build a professional network.

The discussion moves to the tools and technology essential for modern interior designers, such as CAD software and 3D modeling tools, and the growing importance of AI in the industry. Marie and Brian agree on the necessity of continuing education to stay current with industry trends and technological advancements.

Finally, the episode covers effective marketing strategies for new designers, including the use of social media and the importance of maintaining a professional website. Marie underscores the value of mentorship, encouraging listeners to seek guidance from successful professionals to shape their careers.

Marie's Website: https://byrneandbyrnedesign.com

As always, you can learn more about our host Brian Berkowitz:

Brian's Website: https://www.brianberkowitzphoto.com

Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianberko

In this episode of the IDS Podcast, the host interviews John Thiessen, founder of the John Thiessen Children's Foundation. John shares the inspiring story of how his own battle with a brain tumor at 17 led him to create a foundation dedicated to helping sick and underprivileged children. He recalls meeting a young girl named Tasha during his hospital stay, whose kindness inspired him to start a holiday toy drive in 1992. This initiative eventually grew into a full-fledged foundation providing toys, medical expense support, and various other services to children in need.

The episode also highlights the recent IDS Pay It Forward project, the Family Fun Center, a space designed to provide joy and support to children and families. The center features arcade games, arts and crafts, a theater room, and more, creating a fun and safe environment for kids. This project was realized with the help of the IDS design team, who transformed John's vision into reality.

John discusses the challenges and rewards of running a nonprofit, emphasizing the importance of community support and dedication. The episode closes with information on how listeners can get involved by donating toys, volunteering, or contributing financially to the foundation.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Visit the Foundation's Website: https://www.jtcf.org

As always, you can learn more about our host Brian Berkowitz:

Brian's Website: https://www.brianberkowitzphoto.com

Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianberko

In this engaging episode of the IDS Podcast, host Brian Berkowitz chats with Nancy Ganzekaufer, a business coach specializing in helping interior designers. Nancy, originally from Long Island and now based in Florida, shares her journey from being an art consultant to becoming a prominent figure in the interior design community and a business coach.

The episode dives deep into various pricing models for interior designers, including flat fees, hourly rates, and the hybrid model Nancy advocates. She explains the importance of charging for initial consultations and the value of tracking time to ensure profitability. Nancy also touches on the challenges designers face with project management and how to handle pricing objections effectively.

Nancy emphasizes the need for designers to understand their worth and communicate their value confidently. She also highlights the role of a designer's money story and its impact on business practices. The conversation covers practical advice on adjusting rates and dealing with client concerns about pricing.

Listeners are encouraged to visit Nancy’s website, nancyganzekaufer.com, to explore resources like "The Key" pricing tool, which helps designers confidently set and communicate their fees.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Nancy's Website: https://nancyganzekaufer.com/

The Key Pricing Tool for Designers: https://nancyganzekaufer.com/the-key-pricing-tool/

As always, you can learn more about our host Brian Berkowitz:

Brian's Website: https://www.brianberkowitzphoto.com

Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianberko

In this episode of The IDS Podcast, Estelle Weiss takes over as guest host to interview Brian, an accomplished interior design and architectural photographer. Brian shares his extensive experience, emphasizing the importance of photography in branding for interior designers. He highlights how photography can significantly impact a designer's portfolio, helping secure awards and attract new clients.

Brian delves into the concept of branding, stressing that it encompasses more than just logos and colors; it includes the overall customer experience. He explains that brand identity, voice, and values are crucial, with photography playing a pivotal role in brand identity. For designers, choosing the right photographer involves ensuring creative consistency and finding a style that resonates with their vision. Brian advises designers to create mood boards from shelter magazines to identify their preferred photographic style.

The discussion also covers the advancements in technology, such as shooting tethered, which allows for real-time collaboration between photographers and designers. This method enhances the efficiency and quality of photo shoots, ensuring that the final images align with the designer's vision.

Brian underscores the significance of budgeting for professional photography and integrating it into project costs. He also touches on legal considerations, such as copyright laws and proper usage licenses, ensuring both photographers and designers are protected.

For designers looking to elevate their brand, Brian's insights offer valuable guidance on leveraging professional photography to create a cohesive and compelling visual identity.

In this episode of The IDS podcast, we sit down with Joe Calise, the innovative mind behind Sights-N-Sounds, a company that specializes in home technology solutions. Joe shares his journey from working with car audio systems in high school to now transforming homes with cutting-edge technology. His company, accessible at hometheater.biz, offers integrated solutions for security systems, smart homes, lighting control, and more, simplifying technology into one easy-to-use app.

Joe also discusses his extensive involvement with the Interior Design Society (IDS) on both local and national levels. Starting as a member, he quickly moved up to various leadership positions including Treasurer and President of the Long Island chapter, and now serves on the national board. Joe highlights the collaborative nature of IDS, emphasizing the organization's commitment to education and networking, which provides designers with valuable resources and opportunities for professional growth.

One of the key topics Joe touches on is the importance of integrating technology in home design from the onset of a project. He explains how smart home systems can enhance daily living and how designers should introduce these concepts early in the planning stages to ensure seamless integration. Joe also delves into the evolution of home technology, from basic audio setups to advanced smart home systems, and the increasing role of AI in creating intuitive, automated environments.

For those interested in expanding their knowledge and network, Joe promotes the upcoming IDS National Conference in Santa Fe, which promises a blend of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and interactive workshops.

In this episode of The IDS Podcast, Brian welcomes Jenna Gaidusek, an interior designer with a rich background in leveraging technology to enhance her design business. Jenna, fresh off a plane from Charleston, South Carolina, discusses her journey from traditional interior design to founding various tech-driven initiatives.

Jenna started her career with a degree in interior design from a college in upstate New York. After a stint in retail in New York City, she pivoted to virtual interior design in 2015, founding the Design Tribe community on Facebook, which grew to 5,000 members. She developed multiple tools, including a rendering software and an online school called Design U, which she later sold to Mydoma.

The conversation delves into the integration of AI in interior design, highlighting how Jenna uses tools like ChatGPT and MidJourney for creating renderings and improving workflow efficiency. She shares practical examples, such as using AI to generate color palettes and renderings in seconds, significantly speeding up the conceptual phase of design projects.

Jenna emphasizes the importance of adapting to new technologies to stay ahead in the industry. She advises designers to start small, using AI for tasks like social media posts or blog writing, and gradually integrating it into their workflow. She also touches on ethical considerations, ensuring transparency with clients about the use of AI-generated content.

Listeners interested in exploring AI in design can find more resources on Jenna's website, A.I. for Interior Designers, and follow her on Instagram at @jenna.gaidusek. Additional resources and links mentioned in the episode include:

• East End Interiors (location sponsor)
• ChatGPT
• MidJourney
• MyDoma

This episode provides valuable insights into the future of interior design, where technology and creativity intersect to create more efficient and innovative solutions.

As always, you can learn more about our host Brian Berkowitz:

Brian Berkowitz Photography

Brian's Instagram