Interior design and technology have come a long way since the early days. From simple tools like pencils and scales to advanced software programs, technology has had a profound impact on the way interior designers approach their craft. Let’s take a look at the ways in which technology is transforming the interior design industry today, and the benefits and challenges it presents.
The Evolution of Technology in the Interior Design Industry
In my first design job, I was fresh out of college and had no clients as of yet. The owner of the design firm I worked for would purchase lists of leads for us to get clients from. When I say lists I mean actual printouts that had addresses and phone numbers on them. I would spend my days cold-calling people on the list asking them if they would like a free interior design consultation. We were told for every 10 calls we were expected to get 1 appointment booked. These lists were purchased for specific information such as the cost of their home, income, and demographic.
Can you imagine getting design clients this way now?
Now, we have websites, SEO, automated replies, and social media sites for people to see our work. A lot has changed in the 20+ years since I started in this industry- such as design trends evolve so does how we design, reach potential and current clients, and market our work.
The Benefits of Using Technology in Interior Design
We really have come a long way! There are lots of benefits to the technology we use in our design firms today. My favorite is the efficiency of it all. I would spend hours cold calling and actively searching for new clients. But today, with some strategy and planning, the efficacy technology affords us is un like anything else. You can really automate most things within your design business. Doing this frees you up to spend more time designing and thus being billable.
By taking our designs to the computer, we improve the accuracy of sizes and can quickly get those designs to subcontractors for production. The process has become faster, even if lead times fluctuate!
We are really unlimited with technology, depending on how familiar and comfortable we are with it and how much we want to use it in our designs. Think about something like blinds, even those are now operated right on our phones!
The Challenges and Limitations of Technology in Interior Design
It can be overwhelming not to mention expensive to incorporate all this fancy tech into your business. There is a large learning curve as well. As designers, we love to be hands-on, and be careful that you don’t over-tech your business and lose the personal connection that got you that client to start! By going all virtual, you also lose the ability to see items and feel textures in person- as long as you set those expectations up front and your client understands the process then there won’t be any unknowns. You can also utilize sample sites and send your clients actual samples so they can feel them ahead of purchase.
My Favorite Tools and Ways to Incorporate Technology in My Business
Canva: This is my favorite because I can put materials boards together to present projects to clients which can be done online or in person. I can supplement with samples but they get to see the whole project and it’s faster than foam core!
Trello: This was a game changer for me- too many emails, and texts made the project confusing and communication spotty. Having all the project information and communication in one place save time and headaches trying to track down past messages. I sit with clients at the kick-off meeting and show them how to use it.
Material Bank: By going virtual I love being able to order free samples and send them directly to clients. It also saves me time from running around to get samples.
Ultimately, you have to find what works for you, your business, and your clients. I suggest starting with a few, learning them, incorporating them, and being comfortable with them before you add more. Technology when used efficiently can save you time and money in your design business.
Looking for more ways to save time and money while running your interior design business? Join MYDB, my membership program where I will mentor and support you while you Manage Your Design Business.
