Defining Style

Every historical period has its distinct characteristics- its own style. Today's interiors are a result of a diverse mix of culture and time. Most styles are deeply rooted in the past. This seminar will begin with a discussion of those historical periods and explore the elements that make it up. Gain an understanding of the time period while gaining insight on how it can translate into today's designs. Join a discussion of Neoclassical, Rococco to Arts and Crafts, Baroque to Retro and more. We will discuss color, fabrics, design details and the hallmarks of each period through PowerPoint and actual samples. You'll go home with a sourcebook to show your style smarts.

1.5 hours- .15 CEUs or 3.0 hours - .3 CEUs
B I A levels
Designed for designers and workrooms

Icons: Masters of Design (ASID #7803)

Learn from the Masters and discover inspiration for your interiors from designers both past and present. We will discuss the style and philosophy of world’s best designers and then apply it to real life. Explore what the pros know and their trade secrets. There is no better place to look for inspiration then to study the exceptional spaces of the greats like John Fowler, Sister Parish, Billy Baldwin, David Hicks, Elsie de Wolfe and more.

1 hour .1 CEU or 2 hours .2 CEU’s
B I A levels
Designed for all levels

Soft Furnishings Sketch File

Don't let specialty products and niches be a stepchild any longer! Soft furnishings are profitable! Learn new sources and products to jumpstart your add - on sales. Discuss categories like bedding, bath, rugs, tabletop, luxury lines that can increase your bottom line and expand your client base beyond window treatments. We even will share some secrets that can be creative opportunities for you.

1.5 hours - .15 CEUs or 3.0 hours - 3.0 CEUs
B I A levels
Designer, workroom

Trendspotting (ASID #7585)

Trends are everywhere- society, culture, art, and architecture. Our clients are constantly bombarded with them. But, what is a trend? How do you spot one? Once you have, how can you apply this information to your business? Expanding your perspective and knowing your place on the curve will mean big gains in your business. We’ll begin with a discussion on trend theory to gain an understanding of their cycles; forecasting, the dynamics behind a trend; the research, consumer demand and more. Learn to connect the dots and develop an eye for spotting what’s on the horizon. Explore the factors that influence trends. Then develop your knowledge and skills by example, as we dissect the most important trends for 2006-07 - global, consumer and interiors - and apply them to your business.

1.5 hour .15 CEU’s or 2 hours - .2 CEUs
B I A levels
Designed for all areas

TREND FLASH: Design Dispatches from around the World

Searching for the lowdown? Looking to keep your finger on the pulse of the home interiors industry? Then don't miss this armchair tour of the world's most prestigious markets. Travel the world to view the latest introductions as Deb reviews the latest markets and trends. Enrich your design knowledge through trend forecasts for interiors around the world. Take a PowerPoint tour through Maison et Objet, Le Biennale, Heimtextil, 100%, Tendence, and more. See actual samples of what will be in your sample books in the near future.

1.5 hours - .15 CEUs
B I A levels

Window Fashion Inspiration (ASID #7608)

See a whole new round of window treatments inspired by the European shows, alongwith a few surprises. We will showcase hundreds of designs and briefly discuss thefabrication details and the finer points of each treatment. Your camera is a must to build aportfolio and to capture every idea. Given in a showcase format, the instructor showsover 100 actual full scale window treatments and combos presented on a stand, whilediscussing fabrication and sales techniques for each one. Attendees can follow with acomplete session handout or take photos and sketch during showcase. After theshowcase, attendees are allowed to come up and inspect and photograph samples anddiscuss with instructor or other attendees. This class will pump you up with designinspiration for your clients.

2 hours .2 CEU’s or 3 hours .3 CEU’s
B I A levels

Fabric: From Concept to Consumer (ASID #7607)

This comprehensive class will focus on today’s fabrics and how they are made from fiber to yarn to fabric. Join in an extensive discussion of weaves, printing processes, dyes and finishes. Recognize the various characteristics and properties that make fabrics appropriate for use in home interiors. We will explain in detail flaws, testing and performance of home furnishing fabrics. Gain an understanding of challenges that face designers and workrooms with today’s fabrics, along with a sneak peek of what’s on the horizon. This hands-on seminar will send you home with a swatch reference manual.

Fabric Savvy

The focus is on fabrics today. In an extensive discussion, we will give the histories of the major textile groups their origins, development, and variations. Learn the nuances of toile, paisley and damask. Distinguish between different fabric types such as mohair and velvet. After this seminar you will be the expert to turn to for fabric know how.

1.5 hours – .15CEUs
B I A levels
Designed for designers, workrooms

Do You Speak Windows? (ASID #7804)

Learn innovative ways to make a window statement with this designer's guide to design dilemma windows. Brush up on your design skills as we discuss style prescriptions for all types of specialty windows such as dormers, arches, bays, atrium doors, window walls and more. Make specialty windows your specialty. Learn the tricks the pros know to turn a problem into an opportunity. Go home with designs and details to add to your portfolio.

1.5 hours - .15 CEUs
B I A levels
Designed for all areas

It's All in the Details

Turn your custom window fashions into couture treatments. This seminar is a designer's guide to design and construction techniques for window coverings. Learn about such dressmaker details as stitch in the ditch, hand picking, embroidery, string welt and more. See actual samples right off the runway that will take your work to the next level. Discuss how to specify these details to get that final fabulous look. Details DO make the difference!

1.5 hours - .15 CEUs
I A levels
Designed for designers and workrooms

What Designers and Workrooms Should Know about each Other: Managing the Window Coverings Design Process

This workshop addresses the dynamics between designer and workroom from the initial design problem thru developing practical strategies to implementing it all into an effective plan. The greatest ideas will never come to fruition without your team. Explore the relationship between designers and workroom. Identify and recognize each other's strengths to build an infrastructure that results in fabulous finished product. Employ each other's skills to streamline the process. There is special focus on management, communication skills, and customer service. Walk away with ideas that will transform how you navigate the process.

1.5 hours - .15 CEUs
B I A levels
Designed for designers and workrooms

Powerful Client Presentations

This is a hands-on seminar for the design professional who desires to be on the cutting edge of technology. Wow your clients with a professional presentation they will never forget. The basics of Microsoft Power Point will be taught with an emphasis on integrating industry-specific design software, digital cameras or scanned photos to create client presentations, portfolios or proposals. Don't forget your laptop computer (PC) and Microsoft Power Point Software, as they are required to attend. Only basic computer skills are needed.

1.5 hours .15 CEUs or 3.0 hours - .30 CEUs
Designed for all areas

Think like a Designer

Suffering from creative burnout?  Where do you find inspiration? Developing a creative eye is critical to the design process This class teaches creative thinking skills and how to apply these skills to problem solving in your business. Through several creative exercises we’ll formulate innovative strategies to solve design challenges and enhance your window fashions.

1.0 hour or 2.0 hours .1 CEU or .2 CEUs
Designed for all areas

Best Practices for the Design Professional

Today in the world ofdesign, there is no reason that even the smallest or newest firms should not look professional. Though we are all creative, it is imperative that we develop a “business head” as a core competency to be successful. We’ll explore the best business practices and strategies for design professionals. This seminar covers a wide range of topics from insurance, subcontractors, contracts, legalities, branding strategies, pricing, presentations, and project management.  Using case studies, and Q&A we’ll lead a discussion on how you can build the business infrastructure based on the best practices needed to turn your vision into reality.

1.5 hours .15 CEU’s

Designed for all areas

Couture Décor
 
Fashion walks off the runway straight into today’s interiors. Our clients decorate like they shop. Fashion can not only inspire, but provide clues to designing successful interiors. What they are buying off the racks should be reflected in their environments.  We’ll discuss the latest in fashion trends and then show you how you can recreate them in your window treatments. Build a wardrobe that carries the couture spirit.  We’ll define the trend, support it, and then translate it with examples of what products and details you can sell.

1.0 hour .10 CEU
Designed for all areas

Other Seminar and Workshop topics available:

Trade Secrets
Finding your Niche
Designing for Add on Sales
Tools of the Trade
Advanced Skills Workshop: Desinging Windows (ASID #1940)

Call or e-mail for more information.