Ep 141: Inside Design with Kandrac & Kole - How We Navigate Design Post Pandemic
It’s crazy to think that it’s been almost three years since the world shut down due to the pandemic. There’s no denying that the interior design industry has been greatly affected in many ways over the last three years. Today Joann and Kelly share how they kept their projects flowing, their clients happy, and overcame endless challenges throughout the pandemic. Tune in to this episode to learn how Joann and Kelly navigated the pandemic and where the interior design industry stands today.
In This Episode:
[02:50] Why customer communication and transparency are so important for Joann and Kelly.
[04:46] Why having your design team involved at the start of a project is a good idea.
[05:30] How Joann and Kelly’s team works together to manage every step of each project.
[09:40] Maintaining relationships with trusted vendors and manufacturers in today’s design industry.
[18:33] Joann and Kelly share how trying new products and materials can really pay off.
[22:10] How Joann and Kelly adapted to longer turnaround times for product installs or shipping delays.
[27:30] Important Announcements.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Making sure your clients enter a project with realistic expectations and understanding of lead times will positively impact their expectations and overall experience.
People want things quickly, but in the end, if you really wait for the piece that you want, it will be worth it.
Designers cannot have all of their eggs in one basket. Having one upholsterer, one framer, one contractor, etc. can backfire if that vendor gets backed up or is understaffed and cannot provide the products and services they did before.
In such a demanding industry, you cannot just sit back and let things happen to you. Being able to pivot quickly and alter business practices is crucial to survival.
Sponsored By:
This episode is sponsored by Wexel Art. The beauty of the Wexel Art Frames concept lies in the floating acrylic panel that makes art easy to install with magnets or metal standouts. Wexel allows you to frame your art or memorabilia using single or double paneled acrylic for a look that is just as pretty if not more so than your typical custom framing. We reached out to Wexel to create a custom frame for a 4’x6’ Apple Think Different poster that is a collector’s item. Especially great for kids’ art, we rely on Wexel for a lot of projects. Check them out at wexelart.com.
Links Mentioned:
HGTV-VOTE For Designer Of The Year-Living Large In Small Spaces
Tour Highpoint Market with Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs, Inc.