Our articles this week cover two ongoing hot topics! The first addresses questions about vendors and how to negotiate with them. The second explains how ChatGPT can best be used by interior designers, and what its limitations are. If you’re still unsure about how AI can affect your everyday work, this might help.
We have a massive Client Crush this week, with a ton of great features in Designers Today! Catch up with our awesome clients and their features. We love the amazing designers that we’ve worked with!
How to Negotiate Better Margins with Vendors by Leveraging Your Buying Power
Want better margins without compromising quality? Interior designers, it’s time to treat vendor relationships like gold. Learn how to leverage your buying power, negotiate smarter (not harder), and boost your bottom line, even without asking for a discount. Think beyond pricing: payment terms, free shipping, and strategic partnerships all play a role!
What ChatGPT Can (and Can’t) do for Your Design Business
Like it or not, ChatGPT and other AI tools are here to stay. But now that the hype has settled down, what are the best use cases for your interior design business? In our latest blog, we explore what ChatGPT can and can’t do for interior designers. From content creation and client communication to workflow support and project planning, we break down where AI shines and where human creativity still rules.
Pearl Crushes in Designers Today
Congratulations to our three Pearl Collective clients who made the cut for Designers Today’s Top 10 Projects feature in their May/June issue! The honorees include:
- Allison Mattison’s Trellis Design
- Stephanie Lindsey and Jessica Nelson’s Etch Design
- Nancy Charbonneau and Lauren Caudle’s Charbonneau Interiors
This recognition highlights the exceptional talent and expertise of the designers we’ve had the pleasure of working with at Pearl Collective.
Also featured is an article on Gail Doby and Ken Roberts’ presentation at High Point Market, where they discussed the ins and outs of hiring in the interior design industry.
Allison Mattison, Principal of Trellis Design, is the designer behind The May/June cover of Designers Today. The family wanted their retreat to be more relaxed, vibrant and full of personality.
Stephanie Lindsey and Jessica Nelson, Principal Designers at Etch Design.
One of the biggest transitions in the Etch Top Project remodel featured an open kitchen with a large waterfall-edge island and a 48-inch range. Photo Credit: Ryan Ford
LEFT: Nancy Charbonneau, Founder and Principal at Charbonneau Interiors.
RIGHT: Lauren Caudle, Senior Designer, was tasked with this Top Project.
A traditional 1980s residence was transformed into a serene, sophisticated lakeside retreat that celebrates both Texas tradition and contemporary comfort. Images courtesy of Charbonneau Interiors
Gail Doby, Co-founder of Pearl Collective and Ken Roberts from Interior Talent presenting at Universal Furniture’s Design Lounge at High Point Market in April.
Wearing all the hats in your design business? You’re not alone. Many designers struggle to let go of tasks they dislike or aren’t skilled at—and it costs them time, energy, and profit.
That’s where Gail Doby, co-founder of Pearl Collective, comes in. With two decades of experience running her own firm and helping designers grow profits by up to 500%, she’s the go-to expert on building teams that fuel real business growth—without the burnout.
Whether you’re hiring your first assistant or managing a growing studio, this session will help you step back from the tasks that drain you and step into your role as a CEO.
Catch up on the Creative Genius Podcast and all of our latest episodes, featuring guests like Tina Ramchandani, Jane Dagmi, Matthew Tenzin, Mike Agugliaro, and many more! Listen on our podcast page, or find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.