Kitchen & Bath Business - September 2018 - 24

Designer
Differences

Hot Topic
By ERINN LOUCKS

A look at the similarities and distinctions

Established Professionals

between emerging talent and
more established professionals

According to Nielsen, millennials - the generation born between the early
1980s and early 2000s - make up about one quarter of the U.S. population
today. Growing up in a technologically driven age, this group is known to have
different methods of learning, working and communicating than the older
population. And just like with the generations before them, these differences
can be misunderstood. KBB listened to designers of each group - established
and younger professionals - to find out where lines of communication can
improve across the board.

Younger Talent
FIRST IMPRESSIONS

"I get labeled a lot when [clients] first meet me because I look
so young. But I think for the most part after the initial meeting and they get to know me, my personality and my design
experiences, they realize how I shouldn't be generalized as a
'millennial.' I offer a lot of design knowledge to them based
on experience, of course, and I think that helps."
-Alison Green, Jackson Design and Remodeling, San Diego
APPROACHING CLIENTS

"Every designer has their own style and way of working
with clients, depending on what works best for them. To
me, it is important to gauge what the client is comfortable
with and adjust the approach from there. I personally like a
more laid-back meeting that doesn't feel so formal, where
everyone is relaxed."
-Kailee Klevan, R. Henry Construction, Rochester, Minn.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

[Millennials] are fantastic - I have had my eyes
opened up. They read a lot and really know how
to research products thoroughly.They have amazing ideas, and they bring so many new things to
the table."
-Scott Dresner, Dresner Design, Chicago
APPROACHING CLIENTS

"There is no doubt that technology has benefits, but the caveat is that it takes away from the
personal connections among designer, industry
partners and most importantly, the client. I still
prefer a more hands-on approach. Eliminating
the human, one-on-one aspect of interior design
sidesteps what the job is all about: the opportunity
to meet people and help them realize their hopes,
dreams and goals for a more beautiful lifestyle.
Whether you are a seasoned veteran or an emerging talent, designers should never restrict their
demographic or take anything for granted. While
clients might gravitate toward designers their own
age who they feel they might be able to identify
with, ultimately age makes no difference when
evaluating a designer's passion, experience and
personal sense of style."
-Lori Carroll, Lori Carroll & Associates,
Tucson, Ariz.
TIPS FOR WORKING WITH MILLENNIALS

"Working with an older designer is one of the best tools in my
opinion, because they have the knowledge and experience that
can help you excel within your industry.They also have a way
of putting things into perspective that makes you understand
the challenges you are facing."
- David Podwyszynski, Rangecraft Mfg., Fair Lawn, N.J.

"Enjoy their new, younger perspective. Find young
designers who want to grow and learn. We [established professionals] have a wealth of information
to share. I have loved seeing some of the people
who have worked for me leave a much better
and stronger designer than when they first began
working with me."
-Christie Board, Board by Board Design,
Prescott, Ariz.

WHAT THE OTHER GENERATION SHOULD KNOW

TIPS FOR WORKING WITH ESTABLISHED DESIGNERS

"I want other designers to know that we are no different. We
grew up in a time of technology and self awareness, but we are
still creative people by heart. We are still dreamers who have
visions that go beyond our skills, and we need senior designers
to help us achieve our goals."
- Tyler Swartzmiller, Kitchen Kraft, Hilliard, Ohio

"Seasoned designers still have great ideas; we can
relate to many clients due to experience. We may
approach design solutions a bit differently, but
we can still knock your socks off. I remember an
assistant being awed that I could sketch a concept
so quickly. I was awed that she could computergenerate a plan so quickly. We need both sets of
skills to make a great team."
-Sharon L. Sherman, Thyme & Place Design,
Wyckoff, N.J.

Kitchen & Bath Business / SEPTEMBER 2018 / KBBONLINE.COM / The official publication of KBIS (KBIS.com)

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Kitchen & Bath Business - September 2018

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