![COVID+BLM_HK-CK-LC_01_4040efe29a](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/COVID%2BBLM_HK-CK-LC_01_4040efe29a_227229c84d.png)

We’re revamping and restructuring our Designer Series. In light of how much has shifted in these past few weeks, we want to start a conversation about how designers are working and feeling at this new juncture. As we dip our toes into re-opening, we have simultaneously all been thrown into a greater national conversation regarding the systemic racial inequalities that saturate our communities. We reached out to our designers to get their thoughts!

##IT'S BEEN FOUR MONTHS SINCE NYC SUTHDOWN IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID OUTBREAK, AND NOW WE'RE BEGINNING THE REOPENING PROCESS. AS THE CITY SLOWLY CHANGES GEARS, WE'D LIKE TO SPARE A MOMENT FOR RETROSPECTION; WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE MOST CHALLENGING ADAPTATION YOUR BUSINESS HAS HAD TO MAKE TO CONTEND WITH THE SHUT DOWN? WHAT WAS THE MOST SURPRISING? 

HK: Fortunately, due to my work designing for various design platforms, including Havenly and Homepolish, I am very comfortable working with clients remotely which has been a huge plus for me during this time. One of my biggest challenges has been dealing with and anticipating longer than usual lead times and shipping delays. Besides being initially frustrating, this challenge has definitely, helped me to increase my patience and sharpened my skills in managing client expectations.

CK + LC: We found ourselves in a rather lucky situation. Le Whit is based on both coasts, with clients all over, so we often work remotely; it was not too hard of a transition for us to adapt to the new normal of COVID quarantine. Of course, so many other things about our lives changed drastically. Corey was just moving into a new apartment after being on the road for four months, and Liza had just rented out her house in Seattle to be in NYC for a chunk of time. When COVID hit, neither of us were equipped to shelter in place. We made the hard decision to leave each other - Corey returned to Tucson to be with family, and Liza went upstate with her girlfriend. While we are equipped to work remotely, we were also at the mercy of our new environments, and the debilitating effects of the pandemic and the halted economy. The most surprising thing was coming to terms with the new state of the world, while having to be creative and productive. Work became a lifeline to the outside, while also, at times, feeling debilitatingly irrelevant.

![COVID+BLM_CK-LC_02_20198dc04d](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/COVID%2BBLM_CK-LC_02_20198dc04d_6beba78f94.png)

##HAS THE INTENT BEHIND REQUESTS OR INQUIRIES FROM YOUR CLIENTS CHANGED AT ALL? (I.E. HOME OFFICES, ADDRESSING HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS IN SHARED / COMMUNAL SPACES?)

CK + LC: We have noticed that people are more interested in making their space reflect who they are and provide for their specific needs. After being at home for so long, our clients have had a lot of time to reflect on what they need to fix, change, etc.

##GIVEN THE UNPREDICTABILITY OF OUR MOMENT (AS COVID RESURGES AND WE'RE GRAPPLING WITH REOPENING), HAS YOUR APPROACH TO NEW PROJECTS OR NEW CLIENTS CHANGED?

HK: I have noticed a number of inquiries from clients who are moving and need help designing their new home. For those clients who are staying put, I have seen requests for sprucing up kid rooms which happens to be one of my favorite type of rooms to design.

CK + LC: Yes, we are pushing more into the residential sector as hospitality has ground to a halt.

##HOW WILL YOU DESIGN FOR THE FUTURE? 

HK: I have been prioritizing principles of health and wellness design. From recommending indoor plants to sourcing stylish and functional accessories like touchless soap dispensers. I am also adding in tons of organizing to my services, as clients are looking for ways to maximize and organize their spaces.

CK + LC: For us it’s so dependent upon the project and the needs of the client. I think that it will be an interesting year trying to navigate getting new work, and all the complexities of construction, installation, and economic pressures.

![COVID+BLM_HK_03_955ccb3be8](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/COVID%2BBLM_HK_03_955ccb3be8_ce8e88fa8c.png)

##WE HAVE SPENT THE LAST FEW WEEKS WATCHING, LISTENING, LEARNING AND MARCHING IN THE PURSUIT OF RACIAL EQUALITY AND TO PUT AN END TO POLICE BRUTALITY IN THE U.S. ARE THERE ANY RESOURCES YOU'VE FOUND PARTICULARLY HELPFUL TO UNDERSTANDING AND/OR ENGAGING WITH THIS MOVEMENT? 

HK: I am taking special care to process and welcome healing for all the racial trauma that I have experienced personally. As a way to sort through the collective trauma of racism, I have focused on the individual actions that I can take, like completing the 2020 Census and voting.

CK + LC: We have also been watching, listening, learning, and donating. We began our company with a desire to challenge the givens of our profession, and have been deeply concerned over the ways our industry perpetuates a certain level of exclusivity. As women, we were outraged by the sexism inherent in design, but as white people of privilege, we were still able to access many rooms and confidently take the risk to start our own company. In this moment, we are interrogating all the ways that our profession has locked out, or actively torn down people of color and their communities. We know that we have been complicit in this and are striving to undo and unlearn these behaviors. We do not see this as an easy task, but rather a pursuit filled with failures, and, hopefully, moments of liberation. The built environment belongs to everyone, and should reflect the very best of our values - togetherness, equality, freedom, hope. In this moment we have been focused on learning more about the racism embedded in design. We began reading Robert A. Caro’s The Power Broker which chronicles Robert Moses’s life and the destruction caused by his many racially-motivated designs as well as revisiting Jane Jacobs The Death and Life of Great American Cities. We have also been reading about the history of red-lining and other segregationist policies, all with the goal of more deeply understanding the dark history of our profession.

![COVID+BLM_CK-LC_04_72a30514ff](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/COVID%2BBLM_CK-LC_04_72a30514ff_bea416c44c.png)

##IS THERE AN EVENT, ACTION, PIECE OF LEGISLATION THAT YOU'D LIKE TO CALL ATTENTION TO?

CK + LC: We’re looking closely at the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) initiative, which Trump is threatening to dismantle. This program is intended to further promote the Fair Housing Act of 1968 that seeks to “overcome historic patterns of segregation, promote fair housing choice, and foster inclusive communities that are free from discrimination.” So much of our built environment is determined by local zoning and land use codes, which are decided by our elected officials. Dismantling systemic racism requires addressing both our social constructions and the physical constructions of our cities and towns. Addressing issues like gentrification requires policy change in collaboration with developers. Since the latter is most often focused on the bottom line, we must fight to hold them to account. It requires anti-racist initiatives to keep developers to standards of equal opportunity and diversification. We need to make sure that policies like AFFH remain intact. 

##AS A TEAM, WE'VE BEEN LOOKING AT OUR OWN PRACTICES AND HOW WE CAN DO BETTER TO LIFT UP, COLLABORATE WITH AND CELEBRATE BLACK DESIGNERS - DO YOU HAVE FAVORITE BIPOC DESIGNERS, MAKERS, VENDORS, ARTISTS YOU'D LIKE TO AMPLIFY?

HK: I have always been a supporter of black art and cultural institutions, which I would like to especially amplify during this time. A couple of my Harlem cultural staples include the Studio Museum in Harlem, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and of course the legendary Apollo Theater.

CK + LC: We have always prioritized working with women, some of whom are people of color, many of whom are white. We also strive to amplify queer artists and designers. It would be a misrepresentation, though, to offer up a name here, because we do not at this time have a close working relationship with a black designer. We love THIS list that NY Magazine put together. We are looking hard at our blind spot and are actively engaging in shifting our priorities and networks to uplift more people of color throughout our industry.

![COVID+BLM_HK_05_be403e930c](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/COVID%2BBLM_HK_05_be403e930c_facac17b3d.png)

##ANYTHING ELSE?!

CK + LC: Through all of the tragedy, uncertainty, and anxiety of the past four months, we have continued to be reminded of how adaptable we are, and how similar. Whenever we have felt alone and isolated, we have chatted with a friend or a collaborator, and realized that we are, in fact, all in this together. That has been deeply comforting. 

To connect with these designers you can visit their websites: Habiba Koroma (http://www.bibakdesign.com/), Corey Kingston + Liza Curtiss (www.lewhit.com).

Covid-19 + BlackLivesMatter: Biba K Design & Le Whit

COVID_BLM_02_Preview.png

COVID-19 + BLM: Habiba Koroma, Corey Kingston, Liza Curtiss

![COVID-19+BLM: Courtney Robinson, Gia Sharp, Alicia Hassen](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/COVID%2BBLM_CR-GS-AH_01_4635614966.png)

We’re revamping and restructuring our Designer Series. In light of how much has shifted in these past few weeks, we want to start a conversation about how designers are working and feeling at this new juncture. As we dip our toes into re-opening, we have simultaneously all been thrown into a greater national conversation regarding the systemic racial inequalities that saturate our communities. We reached out to our designers to get their thoughts!

##IT'S BEEN FOUR MONTHS SINCE NYC SUTHDOWN IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID OUTBREAK, AND NOW WE'RE BEGINNING THE REOPENING PROCESS. AS THE CITY SLOWLY CHANGES GEARS, WE'D LIKE TO SPARE A MOMENT FOR RETROSPECTION; WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE MOST CHALLENGING ADAPTATION YOUR BUSINESS HAS HAD TO MAKE TO CONTEND WITH THE SHUT DOWN? WHAT WAS THE MOST SURPRISING? 

CR: When the shutdown first went underway, retrieving samples was extremely difficult. Though many places quickly remedied that issue, I really miss browsing endlessly at possibilities and discovering new things I had no intention of stumbling upon. Design for me is rooted in look and feel. [The] most surprising thing for me was how much I missed interacting with colleagues. Having only recently made the full time switch to entrepreneur, it was an extreme transition to not have a friend close by that could give me their opinion on a scheme or drawing… I have had to get comfortable with expressing my needs to clients. Our field is pretty much about how we cater to others, and it was very apparent early on that if I was going to sustain my business through the pandemic, I’d have to treat my clients as teammates. Teamwork makes the dream work!

GS: This shutdown has been challenging for everyone! One of the biggest challenges has been navigating how to work with clients and vendors remotely. Video call has been great for virtual site visits. However, I've found that design presentations need a more analog touch with good, old-fashioned swatches and samples to convey an accurate vision. Another challenge during this time is vendor logistics: we have to be especially detailed in scheduling with individual vendors through the shutdown and reopening because their level and methods of service have been changing week to week. The most surprising change was that lead times with a carpenter actually shortened by half because of his reduced workload. Less work isn't great for him, but the client was happy to have the project completed with such speed.

AH: Overnight, every team and vendor I was working with had to move to a digital or virtual operation whether or not they were ready. As a designer, a critical part of my process is touching and seeing the product - especially fabrics. As showrooms shut down, I adapted to digital sourcing and relying on partners to mail samples to me and the client, so we could maintain this process as much as possible. All of us have gained patience and respect for each other, as we understand how much everyone is juggling both personally and professionally.

![COVID+BLM_AH-02_1701766341](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/COVID%2BBLM_AH-02_1701766341_ff8ba0cfe9.png)

##HAS THE INTENT BEHIND REQUESTS OR INQUIRIES FROM YOUR CLIENTS CHANGED AT ALL? (I.E. HOME OFFICES, ADDRESSING HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS IN SHARED / COMMUNAL SPACES?)

GS: Yes! For example, a client originally was focused on Living Room space planning and furnishing. However, with the pandemic, we realized they desperately needed an Entry drop-zone to shed their footwear/outerwear and disinfect items to be brought into the house, as well as more seating in the Dining area for remote working and schooling. I designed custom Entry millwork and Dining bench with storage and worked with the carpenter remotely on the finer details. Another client added a small home office to the scope of the project because of our new reality of working from home.

AH: Every design request since March has included an in-home office or workspace which tells me, clients are prioritizing the flow and function of their homes. As I work to build the perfect balance of form and function in their space, we are already aligned with the overarching goals of the project!

##GIVEN THE UNPREDICTABILITY OF OUR MOMENT (AS COVID RESURGES AND WE'RE GRAPPLING WITH REOPENING), HAS YOUR APPROACH TO NEW PROJECTS OR NEW CLIENTS CHANGED?

AH: To get through this moment successfully; it is going to take time, patience, and empathy. I will continue working with my tried and true partners while setting expectations on longer lead times and schedules. This will ultimately affect how many clients I can take on as well as the project's level of difficulty. Essentially, I am prioritizing customer service to avoid getting in a situation of overpromising and underdelivering.

##HOW WILL YOU DESIGN FOR THE FUTURE? 

CR: Our focus has always been to create atmospheres of comfort and warmth that stand the test of time. Now, more than ever, people are appreciating the importance of that. We'll continue to encourage and be a catalyst for why Interior Design is not just a frivolous thing of the moment but a necessity in our daily lives.

GS: I've always kept form and function as equal parts of my design. However, for the future, I want to be even more cognizant of creating space to address the additional tasks and items that come with keeping us and our homes healthy. Where should masks be stored? Is there a dedicated place to put contaminated items to be cleaned? Also, I have begun to focus more heavily on maximizing outdoor space as a way to increase the overall square footage and enjoyment of a home. Whether we just want to enjoy nature or want to entertain safely, outdoor spaces will be very important for years to come.

AH: On average, my design projects include 30-50% of product from local or small businesses with an emphasis on handmade or eco-friendly production. For all projects moving forward, I aim for 50% at a minimum and clear BIPOC representation via vendors, designers, makers, and artists.

![COVID+BLM_GS-03_ebf3def61c](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/COVID%2BBLM_GS-03_ebf3def61c_6eedbcb0fc.png)

##WE HAVE SPENT THE LAST FEW WEEKS WATCHING, LISTENING, LEARNING AND MARCHING IN THE PURSUIT OF RACIAL EQUALITY AND TO PUT AN END TO POLICE BRUTALITY IN THE U.S. ARE THERE ANY RESOURCES YOU'VE FOUND PARTICULARLY HELPFUL TO UNDERSTANDING AND/OR ENGAGING WITH THIS MOVEMENT? 

CR: As a Black woman, I have always been in these streets un-apologetically speaking up about the systematic racial injustice that is woven into America's history. If you do not know your history, you're bound to repeat it! The recommendations I've made to non-Black friends and colleagues are (just to name a few): 13th on Netflix, James Baldwin (the man himself, all of the literature he has written, and every interview he gave), Ta - Nehisi Coates - Between the World and Me, We Were Eight Years in Power, Nina Simone's music - ALL of it. If you listen to her lyrics and her interviews she always spoke candidly about the injustice Black Americans faced on a daily basis.

AH: Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Just Mercy have both been powerful books and films. Reading personal statements from black business owners and designers in my community has been even more eyeopening - showing that this is urgent and we have a duty to be part of the change.

##IS THERE AN EVENT, ACTION, PIECE OF LEGISLATION THAT YOU'D LIKE TO CALL ATTENTION TO?

CR: #1: Arrest, Charge, and CONVICT the police that murdered Breonna Taylor while she was sleeping in her home. #2: Defund the Police! That basically looks like most White suburbs across the country. Those communities choose to allocate more of their resources to youth programming, education, and community resources because they don't feel a drastic need for over-policing their neighborhoods.

GS: Movement for Black Lives' policy platform on Health: https://m4bl.org/policy-platforms/end-the-war-black-health/

AH: The Police Reform bill, specifically the new piece of legislation that the Democrats will put forth, and what version passes to bring accountability and consequences to law enforcement officers across the country.

##AS A TEAM, WE'VE BEEN LOOKING AT OUR OWN PRACTICES AND HOW WE CAN DO BETTER TO LIFT UP, COLLABORATE WITH AND CELEBRATE BLACK DESIGNERS - DO YOU HAVE FAVORITE BIPOC DESIGNERS, MAKERS, VENDORS, ARTISTS YOU'D LIKE TO AMPLIFY?

CR: Bole Road Textiles, an Ethiopian-American and Brooklyn-based textile company, The Studio Social, a Black owned and operated job site specifically for the Interior Design industry, Michael Lavelle, a Black-owned wine label, Curated Quarters, a Black owned and edited Magazine focusing on interiors designed by Black professionals, Clare paint, a Black and Woman owned paint brand competing with the likes of Ben. Moore, Sherwin Williams, Backdrop, and Farrow&Ball, OI Studio, Black owned and operated furniture design company.

![COVID+BLM_CR-04_8528dc31a2](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/COVID%2BBLM_CR-04_8528dc31a2_b01c97a270.png)

##ANYTHING ELSE?!

CR: Yes! It is SO, SO important that everyone remember - police brutality is only a fraction of the mistreatment Black and Brown people face daily in America. Make sure that your ally-ship spans into educating yourself on ALL forms Systemic Racism, such as:

1. Education: (Funding disparities for city students are a nationwide issue: Public school pupils enrolled in urban districts receive on average around $2,100 less per pupil than their suburban counterparts)

2. Housing: (Gentrification isn't only about the new cool coffee shop. It negatively affects minorities as they are typically priced out of their neighborhoods and forced to relocate)

3. Public Health equity: (https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/magazine/magazine_article/america-is-failing-its-black-mothers/)

4. The Criminal Justice System: (easy example - the War on Drugs disproportionately arrested and convicted Black and Brown people for many illegal substances. The main one being weed - which is now legal in many states and overtly dominated by White Males.)

5. Colorism: (favoring fairer skinned people of color over those of a darker complexion)

6. Micro-aggressions: (everyday, negative, and derogatory slurs or insults, both verbal and non-verbal, aimed at people of color based on their received race) Thanks for coming to my TED talk, I'll get off my soapbox now! Much love.

GS: As a Black woman, mother to 2 Black boys, and designer, I appreciate your focus on racial equality in these questions. Just my two cents, Black people aren't asking for a holiday or a memorial... that's just symbolic and doesn't change anything. We want real systemic change. Who controls the flow of public and private money? Who makes decisions on public and private policy? Those voices must be integrated and focused on correcting the inequities, so that outcomes change, not just opportunities.

To connect with these designers you can visit their websites: Courtney Robinson (https://www.materialsmethodsdesign.com/), Gia Sharp (https://www.giasharpdesign.com/), Alicia Hassen (https://www.brooklinteriors.com/).

Covid-19 + BLM: Courtney Robinson, Gia Sharp, Alicia Hassen

COVID_BLM_01_Preview

COVID-19 + BLM: Courtney Robinson, Gia Sharp, Alicia Hassen

![Charlotte Sylvain](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/Charlotte_-_S_-_01_cea2d0b924.png)
*All photo credit to Sean Litchfield*

Charlotte Sylvain of Studio Fauve, shares some insight on how the interior design landscape is adapting during the pandemic, and what she hopes to see in the coming year.

## HOW HAS COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR CLIENTS CHANGED?
We usually do in-person design presentations so of course, this has been the biggest change since all the meetings are now being held through video conferences. There are always endless amounts of emails being exchanged over the course of a design project regardless, so on that front things have pretty much remained the same.  

## ANY SILVER LININGS TO REMOTE COMMUNICATION? PAIN POINTS?
I feel like we’ve been able to make design decisions faster because more than ever, our clients want to see their projects come through. As strange as it sounds, having clients look at drawings and design selection on a screen during a call can be very successful to honing in on the answers without added distractions that are possible during in-person meetings. 

![Charlotte_-_S_-_02_ed8fab99cf](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/Charlotte_-_S_-_02_ed8fab99cf_7a174a5ba6.png)

## HAS THE TYPE OF DESIGN YOU'RE DOING CHANGED?
Not yet but we assume there will be more things to consider soon in a world that has to allow for social distancing.

![Charlotte_-_S_-_03_cd7bd08be2](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/Charlotte_-_S_-_03_cd7bd08be2_66490f0fdf.png)

## HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT THE NEXT YEAR, INDUSTRY WISE?
Thankfully our current projects are still going to progress when this is all over. They are in a slightly slowed down state with construction on hold, but seeing as people realize they may be housebound a lot more they will see even more need to hire interior designers!

If you would like see more of Charlotte's work or to get in touch, you can connect with her [here](https://www.studiofauve.com/contact).

Charlotte_Sylvain_Preview

COVID-19 Update: Charlotte Sylvain

![Tina Rich](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/Tina_-_R_-_01_2635925524.png)
*All photo credit Christian Torres*

Tina, of Tina Rich Design, shares some insight on how the interior design landscape is adapting during the pandemic, and what she hopes to see in the coming year.

## HOW HAS COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR CLIENTS CHANGED?
Since we’re doing everything virtually, we need our clients to be really invested in the process. We can’t be onsite to take measurements or check deliveries, so we really rely on our clients to do some of the heavy lifting!  

## ANY SILVER LININGS TO REMOTE COMMUNICATION? PAIN POINTS?
The biggest struggle is not being able physically be in the spaces you’re designing.  We’re learning that so much can be done virtually, and will continue to do so, but I love being in the space!  I need to feel it out, sense the scale, notice existing features, and you just can’t do that through photos!

![Tina_-_R_-_02_404fd85d89](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/Tina_-_R_-_02_404fd85d89_481b8de35e.png)

## HAS THE TYPE OF DESIGN YOU'RE DOING CHANGED?
I think this time spent at home is making people realize just how important their home environments are.  My husband and I have taken great care in creating a space that feels like our own little sanctuary and that’s my goal when designing homes for my clients.  

## HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT THE NEXT YEAR, INDUSTRY WISE?
For a lot of us, we’ve been stripped down to the essentials and are realizing just how little we really need. Personally, I want to be really mindful of what I add back into my life once things go back to “normal”….the things I buy, the people I spend time with, the food I eat, and the way I run my design business. 

![Tina_-_R_-_03_edc2bb701e](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/Tina_-_R_-_03_edc2bb701e_91276c8afc.png)

If you would like see more Tina's work or to get in touch, you can connect with her [here](http://tinarichdesign.com/info/). 



Tina_Rich_Preview

COVID-19 Update: Tina Rich

![Steph Gaelick](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/Steph-G-01_0106225bca.png)
*Portrait photo by Amy Bartlam*

Steph, of Steph Gaelick Designs, shares some insight on how the interior design landscape is adapting during the pandemic, and what she hopes to see in the coming year. 

## HOW HAS COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR CLIENTS CHANGED?
Honestly, it hasn’t changed a ton! Besides for the big meetings I would conduct in person, I tend to use the phone and email for day to day communications anyway. My clients are busy professionals, and scheduling meetings outside of work can be a challenge. My job is always to make their lives easier, not more complicated, so it often takes the pressure off for them to review the work on their own time. We often communicate quick thoughts and ideas by text or impromptu phone calls. We’ve introduced FaceTime, less for practical reasons and more for the personal element. We’re all looking for ways to feel more connected. 

## ANY SILVER LININGS TO REMOTE COMMUNICATION? PAIN POINTS?
In a way, it is more efficient and productive. There’s all this alone time to hunker down and focus, rather than running around to showrooms and meetings. However, there are some things that are just easier to see and discuss in person. It’s required a dose of creativity to present and gather feedback on these elements in the level of detail I need. My clients have been great and super flexible, and we’ve all figured out ways to adjust.

![Steph-G-02_98e9ce6e54](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/Steph-G-02_98e9ce6e54_a5f132a677.png)

## HAS THE TYPE OF DESIGN YOU'RE DOING CHANGED?
For me, it actually hasn’t. I was lucky enough to have two projects underway before the pandemic began, so I haven’t had the need to land new clients during this time. I’ve been able to continue on as closely to normal as possible, and I feel fortunate for that.

![Steph-G-03_474805a141](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/Steph-G-03_474805a141_54dd81663c.png)

## HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT THE NEXT YEAR, INDUSTRY WISE?
I see some interesting changes taking place. People are spending all their time at home right now, interacting with their spaces in ways they never have before. They’ve really had the chance to reflect on how their homes look and function and feel. They realize more acutely what is working and what is not, and are motivated and excited to make improvements. I think the opportunity to refresh your space is a fun and exciting way to channel your energy. Especially for creatives who are used to expressing themselves through fashion, that expression is now being transferred to the home. I see our industry providing a much needed sense of comfort and fun for people in the coming year.

![Steph-G-04_ac5d65d9a1](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/Steph-G-04_ac5d65d9a1_915fe2273c.png)

If you would like see more of Steph's work or to get in touch, you can connect with her [here](https://stephgaelick.wixsite.com/portfolio/about-me-manual).

Steph_Gaelick_Preview

COVID-19 Update: Steph Gaelick

![Crystal Sinclair](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/Crystal-S-01_3e989d050d.png)

Crystal, of Crystal Sinclair Designs, shares some insight on how the interior design landscape is adapting during the pandemic, and what she hopes to see in the coming year.

## HOW HAS COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR CLIENTS CHANGED?
The main change is it's no longer in person - zoom has become a staple and I had never used it before. 

## ANY SILVER LININGS TO REMOTE COMMUNICATION? PAIN POINTS?
Now that I've used zoom and feel comfortable with it, I'll definitely recommend it for future meetings - I see a tad fewer in person meetings in my future with screen share as an option.

![Crystal-S-02_53d13ee855](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/Crystal-S-02_53d13ee855_e0b57eb9a6.png)
*Photo by Claire Esparros*

## HAS THE TYPE OF DESIGN YOU'RE DOING CHANGED?
Not really. I've picked up a few virtual projects but once things return to the new normal, I'd like to resume working as before - where there is some onsite and person-in-person visits.

![Crystal-S-03_c685d98bdf](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/Crystal-S-03_c685d98bdf_4252f2a28f.png)
*Photo by Christian Torres*

## HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT THE NEXT YEAR, INDUSTRY WISE?
Not going to lie - I'm nervous about what the future holds, but people have spent all their time in their home and I'm sure some are realizing how important a happily designed home is for the soul and are eager to design it up, especially with talks of round two circulating in the news. 
Once we're able to resume work, I'll be anxious to get projects started to have things wrapped up by next fall, just in case. also hoping the economy bounces back - design depends on it.

![Crystal-S-04_3bc60c08c5](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/Crystal-S-04_3bc60c08c5_b236366e50.png)
*Photo by Christian Torres*

If you would like see more of Crystal's work or to get in touch, you can connect with her [here](https://www.crystalsinclairdesigns.com/about).

Crystal_Sinclair_Preview

COVID-19 Update: Crystal Sinclair

![Alyse Eisenberg](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/Alyse-E-01_f175c9d473.png)
*All photo credit Nick Gilmenakis*

Alyse, of Studio Alyse, shares some insight on how the interior design landscape is adapting during the pandemic, and what she hopes to see in the coming year.

## HOW HAS COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR CLIENTS CHANGED?
I haven't been able to see any clients in person, but we've kept video calls going strong! My clients have been really wonderful about it, and have taken on roles they wouldn't usually have. Many now know how to measure and survey their spaces, all thanks to Google Hangouts. In addition to video calls, I send out weekly email reports on Fridays. This ritual has allowed communication to continue to flow, and clients with postponed projects feel like they haven't been forgotten. 

## ANY SILVER LININGS TO REMOTE COMMUNICATION? PAIN POINTS?
Luckily, working virtually is not a new concept to me! I was already working with a few clients in Charlotte, North Carolina (my hometown). I've been able to transition those communication processes over to my local projects. I use a project management software that creates an online client dashboard, which gives clients an in-depth look at project details, renderings, proposals, and schedules. It has been extremely helpful during this time. I've learned to push design meetings out a few days or even a week since many vendors are delayed due to limited resources. That was a small learning curve. 

The silver lining for me is time. I've had time to spend with my family and friends (virtual game nights have become a big thing for us)! I've also had time to focus on other aspects of my business. I started a [company blog](https://www.studioalyse.com/the-color-of-plenty), which has been on my to-do list for almost a year!

![Alyse-E-02_40395eeb42](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/Alyse-E-02_40395eeb42_0700a389ca.png)

## HAS THE TYPE OF DESIGN YOU'RE DOING CHANGED?
Before, my projects were about 60% commercial and 40% residential. Most of the commercial projects have canceled or postponed, so now all my active or new projects are residential. This has been an exciting transition for me because I've been able to source more products from local makers and artisans. In this time, clients understand and value the idea of supporting small businesses. I'm excited for these projects to come to fruition!

![Alyse-E-03_eb048a5923](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/Alyse-E-03_eb048a5923_844823dbe8.png)

## HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT THE NEXT YEAR, INDUSTRY WISE?
I'm optimistic that we will land on our feet. I'm hoping we, as a community of designers, take this time to replenish our creative energies. So many of us were living with designer "burn out". This time has made us slow down, refocus, and refresh. I think we'll see a burst of unique designs that stray away from trends...at least that's what I'm hoping for!

![Alyse-E-04_e4106a3999](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/Alyse-E-04_e4106a3999_c9fb99843a.png)

If you would like see more of Alyse's work or to get in touch, you can connect with her [here](https://www.studioalyse.com/contact).

Alyse_Eisenberg_Preview

COVID-19 Update: Alyse Eisenberg

![Laura Kern](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/covid-update-laura-kern-01_b41d73c21a.png)

We spoke with Laura, of Laura Kern Interior Design, about how her business has shifted during the pandemic. She shares her thoughts on how she has adapted and what she sees in the future for interior design. 

## HOW HAS COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR CLIENTS CHANGED?
My clients and I have been meeting over Google Hangouts and Zoom (and every now and again over Facetime just for fun because I miss them).

## ANY SILVER LININGS TO REMOTE COMMUNICATION? PAIN POINTS?
Mostly it's been good -  it's brought an even more personal layer into our communication as they get a peek at my home life. Every now and again our little 10 month old Casper pops in for a visit on our calls which I think everyone (mostly) enjoys. He doesn't contribute much to the conversations and often tries to steal my material samples. Designing someone's home is such an intimate process, I think it's nice for everyone when opportunities for that connection arise.

![COVID-LK-02_59eb33381e](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/COVID-LK-02_59eb33381e_08be788cb1.png)

## HAS THE TYPE OF DESIGN YOU'RE DOING CHANGED?
The types haven't changed, I do commercial, hospitality and residential design, and am generally very high touch. However, the way I'm designing has changed in some cases. The biggest challenge I'm facing right now is with an office space I'm working on. After years of trying to max out seats, thinking about how to keep people apart and safe is a total paradigm shift, and I'm relying on circulation diagrams to reconsider layouts and what amenities might want to be doubled.

![COVID-LK-03_974fca4a93](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/COVID-LK-03_974fca4a93_2bae240683.png)

Although 90% of my projects are in person and high touch, I already did some remote design out of the city and out of state before the Covid Crisis began. The process is not terribly different with those from our NYC projects. I've been working for the last year on honing my digital presentation style because it can be hard even for my clients in the city to meet in person with work and school schedules. I've gotten the feedback that everyone has really enjoyed the digital style presentations because it also gives my clients time to digest the information slowly on their own after I introduce it and I plan to continue to develop that further. 

Looking out a few months I anticipate shifting to do some hospitality work. I'm dying to tackle the question of how we rethink restaurant design. Every aspect of the back of house and front of house is ripe for a rethink at this moment from planning to materials to air flow and how to create a sense of connection, ambiance and energy! Even though we don't have any live hospitality projects right now I've been finding ideas, inspiration and even sketches about this creeping into my morning journaling. 

## HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT THE NEXT YEAR, INDUSTRY WISE?
I'm hopeful that we're looking at a period of embracing patience and of being slow and thoughtful. We've been getting a high number of inquiries as always, but a lot of those inquiries are frozen thanks to uncertainty in real estate markets. Once we can get past the initial hurdles I think it will involve some really interesting shifts to the ways we operate. I anticipate doing less design-build projects, I think we will shift to create better and more thorough drawing sets and renderings to make sure that contractors have really good information to go on. These last couple weeks have led me to appreciate a good rendering as a reference tool, and I think I will be more open to realistic renderings over hand drawn moving forward (though I will never stop hand drawing as a design tool!). I also anticipate that we will rely more on technology and digital tools like 3D scanners to capture conditions in place of site visits. I'm thinking about incorporating BIM technology as part of my process to create better collaboration with other consultants. 

Projects may take longer in the near future because there will be restrictions of the number of workers allowed on site at a given time, the period of flipping homes and overnight rennos that you see on HGTV are on the out. People are going to be very considered about how they spend their money and I think we are going to see a period of very high quality work, but maybe less of it. I think there are a lot of people who have had significant time to think about how they use their homes or how they would like to use them and I think we're going to see some innovative design to solve those needs! More problems/hurdles = more creativity!

![COVID-LK-04_a50d04e824](https://stitchroom.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cms/COVID-LK-04_a50d04e824_f41905f290.png)

If you would like to get in touch with Laura, you can connect with her [here](https://www.laurakerndesign.com/contact). 

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