Kitchen & Bath Business - September 2017 - 20

Hot Topic

Thinking Out of the
Professional Box
A look at how the next
generation of designers can
succeed in the industry
FOR MOST PROFESSIONS, there is not only one right
way to the top, but there are definitely better ways.
This is the case in the design industry, where the
most respected designers have backgrounds ranging from multiple degrees and certifications to
years upon years of experience. Young designers
have a lot to learn one way or another before they
can reach their goal, but sometimes the generational gap is a challenge.
"In every industry, there will always be a new,
younger,fresher group of individuals full of innovative ideas, and we must embrace that as our design/
construction industry is constantly evolving," said
designer Ebony Stephenson, a 2014 30 Under 30
recipient and owner of Norfolk,Va.-based Designs
By Ebony. "We can all learn a thing or two from
each other."

20

ABOVE This renovation from designer Natalie DiPiazza brings
a bathroom up to date while
keeping in spirit with a California
home's 1950s architecture.
Photo by John Moery with John
Moery Photography

COMBATING THE BIAS

With smart phones and a familiarity with instant
gratification, this millennial generation often is
seen as unprofessional; as with any bias, this is only
sometimes true.
"I will caution that our generation is associated
with some unwarranted and warranted notions
about entitlement, laziness and arrogance, so it is
important to be confident but to also build credibility and respect rather than demand it; be diligent in
work and remain humble," said designer and 2017
30 Under 30 recipient Natalie DiPiazza of Los
Angeles-based Custom Design & Construction.
She suggests that honesty is the best policy;
when asked a question you don't know the answer
to,say you will find out.Before making suggestions,
be sure to listen in earnest, ask lots of questions, and
fully process the information.
With tools like Pinterest and Houzz, homeowners have more design tools and information
at their disposal than they ever have, and young,
tech-savvy designers have to learn how to become
an invaluable resource.
"You must keep yourself educated on the newest
trends and products," said designer Craig Couture,
a 2017 30 Under 30 recipient with East Providence,
R.I.-based Cypress Design Co. "A client wants to
feel that your opinion as a designer is well thought
out and coming from an educated place."
THE RIGHT EDUCATION

Where the schooling comes from in the design industry does not matter as
much as the experience one gathers. College degrees offer opportunities like
internships and a foundation for the professional field, but they are not the
only way to learn the industry.
"You can have all the education in the world and still not be successful as
a designer," said Couture. "A designer's level of education may get them the
interview, but the examples of their work are what get them the job."
According to Matthew Ferrarini, a 30 Under 30 recipient in 2013, finding
the right institute at which to hone design skills can be an excellent advantage,
but designers also must continue to persevere with the skills they learned in
college. Volunteer work, internships and lower-paid jobs might not be ideal,
but they will help expand a portfolio.
"If a designer is able to showcase their vision and possesses the natural aptitude for the work, success is only a matter of time," said Ferrarini, who leads
his own design firm, Ferrarini Kitchens. Baths. Interiors, out of Philadelphia.
"Of course without hard work, a love for design and willingness to experiment,
that success could be quite limited."
GETTING ALONG WITH EVERYONE

BY ERINN LOUCKS

While the best education can hand an upcoming designer connections
through study programs and internships, success will come faster to those
who can foster those relationships and network well.
"Always focus on building strong connections with peers, partners, managers, customers and clients," said Jonathan Barfell, a 30 Under 30 Recipient
in 2015 and brand manager for Alliance Laundry Systems. "Make a positive
impact with everyone you meet. You never know who will come back in your
professional life who will create your next opportunity."

Kitchen & Bath Business / SEPTEMBER 2017 / KBBONLINE.COM / The official publication of KBIS (KBIS.com)
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Kitchen & Bath Business - September 2017

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