A Conversation About Product Design with Brian Graham

05/03/21 • 44 min

For the first time ever, we have a true designer on the show. Brian Graham is an interior designer turned furniture designer who uses his unique view of space to create truly customizable pieces. Listen as he shares more about the design process and his thoughts on the future of commercial furniture.

Inspiration can strike anywhere, at any time. Which is why Brian keeps a sketchbook near him at all times. His goal is to create furniture that has clean lines, is functional, and is still beautiful, and he definitely succeeds.

Listen in as he shares all of his tips and insider tricks regarding design and why he thinks commercial solutions in residential areas are going to be huge for the industry. Brian’s experience, expertise, and obvious love of his work is amazing to hear. If you’ve ever wondered about the design process, you won’t want to miss out on this conversation.

In this episode:

[02:18] Welcome to the show, Brian!
[02:31] Brian shares his background and what he does now.
[07:22] Learn about the design process he goes through when he creates furniture.
[10:05] Where he gets the inspiration for his designs.
[17:21] The design process doesn’t take as long as you think because it’s just a small part of the complete product.
[20:30] “The design, the presentation and their acceptance of it is the beginning.”
[25:48] Why he likes to design tables and what has him working with more upholstery.
[27:04] Brian chats about his love of working with aluminum.
[30:54] Listen as Brian discusses some issues he has today.
[38:17] His advice for an inspiring interior designer/inspiring product designer that would help them move their career forward.
[42:16] Check out the NeoCon Conference.
[44:10] Thank you for being on the show!

Links and Resources:

Antonio Citterio
Pearson Lloyd

Connect with Sid:

www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
Subscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/inside-contract-interiors-7298489501159460865/

The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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In this episode:

Links and Resources:

Antonio Citterio
Pearson Lloyd

Connect with Sid:

The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Previous Episode

Bonus Episode: The Trend Report LIVE! What is Spring Breakout?

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It’s time to break out of our cocoons and start getting back together. Rob Kirkbride and John Strassner have gotten together to organize the Spring Breakout Roadshow 2021 and they’re joining me on this special bonus episode to share all about it.

What is Spring Breakout?

Essentially this is a roadshow designed to help you and your clients actually see products in real life. We’re going to have learning opportunities, ways to gather and connect, and best of all product demonstrations and booths.

The roadshow will be traveling to eight locations in all and we are so excited to see you! Listen in to hear more about the dates, each location, and what you can expect to find at each stop.

We’re also taking on sponsors to help keep this show on the road through the whole event. If you’d like to participate and sponsor either the happy hour, the vendor booths, the travel, and more, listen in and reach out!

Check out the dates below:

May 11th - Dallas, TX

May 14th - Atlanta, GA

May 17th - Charlotte, NC

May 19th - Baltimore, MD

May 21st - Philadelphia, PA

May 24th - Pittsburg, PA

May 26th - Columbus, OH

June 2nd - Chicago, IL

If you’re in any of these areas then go to www.breakoutevent.org to learn more and register to attend.

In this episode:

[02:01] The Trend Report was live on LinkedIn chatting all about Spring Breakout.

[02:58] Learn more about Rob Kirkbride and John Strassner the organizers of this event.

[03:30] What is Spring Breakout?

[05:07] John shares why ASID decided to get involved with this event.

[06:43] Why is the Spring Breakout important?

[08:03] Health is a top priority.

[09:56] Disclosing your vaccination status is not required but it will make a difference on capacity. Learn more!

[10:46] Rob shares the rest of the locations that we’ll be stopping at.

[13:18] A quick recap of dates and locations.

[14:12] Learn who will be there exhibiting their products.

[17:26] Who is this event for?

[18:49] John shares who would benefit from this event.

[21:02] The event is open to anyone who is willing to attend.

[22:11] What to expect at the Spring Breakout events.

[24:34] How you can help sponsor the event.

[26:52] Final thoughts on the event and why you should be there!

Links and Resources:

Spring Breakout
Spring Breakout on LinkedIn
Spring Breakout on Instagram
Flock Freight

Connect with Sid:

The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Next Episode

A Conversation with Jeff Carlson

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Sometimes it’s nice to simply have a conversation. Jeff Carlson of My Resource Library and I sat down to do a super informal Q and A session and it was a ton of fun. Listen as we chat about the role of ecologically friendly design, trends in the industry, and how our industry has been irrevocably changed due to Covid.

This really was a fun conversation touching on a bunch of different pieces of the contract interiors puzzle as seen from different sides of the industry. You’ll want to listen in to hear all the amazing details.

In this episode:

[02:38] Welcome to the show, Jeff!
[03:32] Listen as Jeff shares what is happening with My Resource Library and what they are focusing on for the next year.
[07:42] MRL is not just an ecommerce platform, it integrates with their business systems.
[12:19] The 100 pro education accounts, universities for interior design students. Auburn University has added My Resource Library to their curriculum.
[14:11] Learn about the North American Independent Rep Council Jeff started.
[17:29] Most people don’t believe there is a new model, things are not going back to the way they were in 2019.
[21:08] The younger generations today care so much more about the environment.
[25:09] What he thinks will change in the industry in 2021 - 2022.
[29:52] What dealers need to change to remain relevant in the digital world.
[33:01] Learn what manufacturers are looking for when they reach out to Jeff for new representation in a market.
[35:30] The advice he would give to a salesperson to be more successful in 2021 - 2022.[37:51] My thoughts on the biggest trend changes I’ve seen in the last four years in the industry.
[40:50] The anxiety he feels around flying and traveling now since the pandemic.
[44:05] Why I’m all about Clubhouse for our industry.
[47:17] Thank you for being on the show!

Links and Resources:

INDEAL
Avanto
Episode 41 with Brandi Susewitz
The Remarkable Tablet

Connect with Jeff:

My Resource Library
LinkedIn

Connect with Sid:

www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid

Connect with Sid:

The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/