Writing Into the Fall
As the summer starts to wane and the days begin to get shorter, I am thinking about what the future will bring to the interior design industry as 2020 comes to an end and in the years ahead. Over the summer I took on many different projects: I’ve written about topics including E-Design, the inequalities inherent in the beauty industry, leather aprons, the history of the mouse pad, bespoke wallcovering, high-end resin furniture and airport design. I am so grateful to be busy and have so much to write and think about, delving into subjects that are new and relevant. I am expanding my world from the confines of my urban apartment, where I have largely sheltered in place for the better part of the spring and summer.
One of the most relevant and compelling subjects I have written about is what the future of the workplace will look like in the post-pandemic United States. The project involved composing a series of five articles about workplace design, which was turned into a 10,000-word e-book by my client, a design firm in Michigan that provides comprehensive design services including workplace strategy, interior design and industrial design. I subsequently participated in a panel discussion as part of Vishion’s Summer Virtual Market, which consisted of “13 expert-led sessions on business, home design and going virtual during Covid.” The specific topic was “Workplace Safety: Covid Communication and Planning.” The session was hosted by Vishion’s CEO, Sam Smith, and the co-moderator was Deb Mitchell, a fellow content writer as well as brand messaging strategist.
In addition to writing about issues including biophilic office design, the importance of employee-centric wayfinding and signage, and the use of technology to create a level playing field for those working from home and at the office, I started thinking about how the A&D industry will and must change due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Its sales model, which has proved successful for interior designers and manufacturers alike, is based on the critical role of sales reps, who function not just as brand ambassadors but as invaluable sources of product information and support as well. Without them, interior designers could not do their jobs. What struck me is the importance of face-to-face presentations to the A&D sales model, particular to the industry, where color, texture and yes, even smell (think leather) are key components of sensible design. After speaking with reps around the country, I was heartened to hear about the strategies they have devised to enable them to continue to perform their essential roles in the industry.
Feel free to watch the hour-long virtual market session by following this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/_8lwf-j91G5LeY3C8k7xcLw5Aa_1T6a8gHQW_KcLnhom5uLxVMFpbO_AnbO0ZEJh?startTime=1594921838000. You can find the e-book, entitled “The Future of Work,” on the portfolio page of my website: www.merylsiegman.com/portfolio. And of course I welcome your comments for a continuing discussion about this and related topics.