What the Pandemic taught Interior Designers, Architects, and Home Remodelers about Networking

During the Covid-19 Pandemic, the interior design, architectural and home remodel industry faced a scenario of changing demands and customer preferences. At the same time, there was also a drastic transformation in the way businesses operate worldwide. Working from home has become the new way of operating in the interior design and architectural industry.

With new safety regulations, building laws, and SOPs to follow, there is huge pressure on this industry to meet the demands of clients. Protection of the employees is also an important consideration. For this reason, interior designers, architects, and remodeling businesses need to rely on a strong and effective network to facilitate working from home and other remote locations. Here are some tips on how to network during the Pandemic for interior designers and home remodelers.

• Use of Cloud Technology

Although this technology has been around for some time its highest potential was tested during this COVID 19 pandemic. Designers and remodelers working from various locations can share information, data, plans, project details, and other design tools using reliable and effective cloud-based services. Platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox are very efficient and offer free storing and sharing features safely and securely.

• Use of Networking Programs and Apps

There are a large number of programs and applications designed and developed to meet the networking requirements of designers and remodelers working around the world. Using apps like Splashtop you can mirror your workplace computing screens and create an environment of shared networking. Other apps like Morpholio provide online sketchbooks and rolling features that allow designers to trace and board their designs and creations on shared networks with colleagues and other major stakeholders. Programs like Microsoft Office 365 or Google G-Suite help in the creation and edition of documents, spreadsheets, and presentations shared collectively by various team members.

• Virtual Meetings and Conferences

Communication is a critical factor for the success of any business. In interior design, architecture and home remodeling too, sharing of ideas, concepts and thoughts are essential for all stakeholders. Using various technology tools and gadgets, you can hold regular virtual meetings and conferences with customers as well as team members. No matter where in the world you are located, you can be part of an important discussion and share your views and ideas with others face to face.

Programs like Google Meet, Skype, and Zoom are reliable, effective, and secure ways of organizing and arranging such virtual meetings for your interior design, architectural or home remodeling company. Such meetings help enhance coordination and communication along with minimizing misinterpretations that might lead to inefficiencies and project failures.

• Maintain Close Contact

Although you, your clients, and your team members might be far apart in physical terms, you need to maintain a certain level of closeness in the virtual world. Using handy online tools like Slack, you can help people integrate and share their calendars, Trello boards, and to-d lists with each other. You should remain informed about the latest happenings and track the progress of various projects and assignments. 

The tools shared above and the lessons learned during this pandemic will help to make you a better and more efficient business owner. For more information check out our Resource Library for additional resources and marketing tips. If you want to  speak with one of our experts contact us or schedule a strategy session so we can better understand you business and show you how we can help grow your business and your brand.