Afleveringen
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POP into Excellence is back June 15-26, 2026 and it's FREE!
Dealer designers are being asked to navigate more complexity than ever before.
Todayâs projects move faster, involve more stakeholders, rely on more technology, and require stronger collaboration across every phase of the process. Designers are expected to think strategically, communicate clearly, adapt quickly, and balance creativity with increasing operational demandsâall while continuing to deliver exceptional client experiences and accurate project execution.
POP into Excellence was created to support the people doing that work every day.
Designed specifically for dealer designers and design leaders, this virtual professional development experience brings together industry experts, technology innovators, and experienced practitioners for conversations that go beyond product knowledge alone. Through sessions focused on communication, workflow, onboarding, financial literacy, creativity, emerging technology, and professional growth, POP into Excellence is dedicated to supporting both the technical and human side of design work.
Show up and show us that this event is important!
Sign up for POP into Excellence
Join the opening session with OFS
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Access on-demand training at The Design POP.
Questions? Email [email protected]
The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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What happens when a former consultant, startup operator, and self-described âanxious overachieverâ discovers the contract furniture industry for the first time? In this episode, Alexandra sits down with Kieran Luke, founder of Cerulean, to discuss how AI is being thoughtfully applied within dealer workflows and why the goal isnât replacing people, but helping them reclaim their time.
Kieran accidentally found himself in contract furniture after growing up in Australia and building startups in New York. During this path, he realized that highly skilled dealer designers were spending hours each week on repetitive, manual tasks. Alexandra and Kieran unpack the realities of AI in our industry: the skepticism, the ethical concerns, the fear around jobs, and the opportunities to create more sustainable and fulfilling work.
Whether youâre AI-curious, AI-cautious, or already experimenting with new workflows, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about what technology should actually do for people.
REGISTER NOW for POP Into Excellence
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The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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After celebrating five years of TheDesignPOP.com (with a full cake, not just a cupcake), this month's POP In reflects on milestones, AI, environmental concerns, design workflows, and the surprisingly human conversations happening behind the scenes in our industry.
Alexandra gives us a first look at Pop Into Excellence 2026, new training, and some thoughts on innovation with regards to sustainability and humanity in design.
Oh...and yes, thereâs also a story about compostable diapers. No script. No guest. Just a thoughtful industry check-in from inside the Design POP community.
Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn
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Access on-demand training at The Design POP.
Questions? Email [email protected]
The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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This first âPOP Inâ episode is a quick check-inâno guest, no script, just a few thoughts worth sharing.
This episode is less about answers and more about observations. After hosting two recent Design POP webinars with designersâAlexandra reflects on personality tendencies, designer struggles, and workflows.
Think of this as a quick pulse check on the industry and an open invitation to keep the conversation going.
Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn
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Access on-demand training at The Design POP.
Questions? Email [email protected]
The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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Before Steven Jenkins officially steps into the role of CEO at Configura, Alexandra is taking time to introduce him to The Design POP community. She reconnects with Steven who she worked with years ago during her time as a Configura trainer. He was known for his steady, practical approach and his ability to truly hear what users needed.
In this conversation, Steven shares how he first joined Configura as one of the companyâs early employees, what he learned after leaving to build leadership experience in larger global organizations, and what itâs been like returning as a board member before stepping into the CEO role. While Alexandra plans to talk about the future in a later conversation, this episode is a chance to get to know the person behind the title.
Configura's Experience 2026 will be in Cincinnati. Stay tuned for more details by following Configura.
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Learn more about Configura
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Questions? Email [email protected]
The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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What happens when a commercial interior designer falls in love with Excel spreadsheets and watercolor painting?
In this episode, Alexandra sits down with Rebekah Jacobi, Design Director at Pivot Interiors in San Francisco, to explore what it means to be a whole creative human in the commercial interiors industry. From leading high-level workplace design strategy and tracking performance metrics to rediscovering watercolor painting and surface pattern design, Rebekah shares how embracing her duality has transformed the way she leads.
We talk about data, design time tracking, decision making, creative identity, and the courage it takes to evolve beyond your job title. If youâre a design leader, interior designer, or creative professional navigating the balance between business and artistry, this conversation will leave you rethinking what it really means to thrive in this industry.
Sometimes the most strategic thing you can do is make space to create.
Join a Design POP Circle
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Check out Rebekah's art on Lavender Canyon Co
Learn more about Pivot Interiors
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Access on-demand training at The Design POP.
Questions? Email [email protected]
The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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Chad Bewley has spent nearly three decades at the same dealership (Freeform) and heâs built a career many designers would envy.
In this episode, Chad and Alexandra sit down at CETx 2025. Chad shares how he found success without a traditional design degree and why relationships matter more than resumes. He also reflects on how long-term commitment can unlock trust and influence that simply canât be fast-tracked.
From drafting tables and early CAD days to live design, sales leadershipâChadâs story proves that experience and people skills still carry real weight in our industry. This episode is for anyone whoâs ever wondered if theyâre âdoing it wrongâ and need permission to define success on their own terms.
Connect with Chad on LinkedIn
Learn more about Freeform
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Access on-demand training at The Design POP.
Questions? Email [email protected]
The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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As winter settles in and the year comes to a close, Alexandra reflects on a habit many of us shareâfinishing something big and immediately moving on to whatâs next. A simple moment at home with her son becomes a reminder to slow down, recognize progress, and make space to celebrate the wins, both big and small.
Thank you for listening, for sharing your time, and for supporting The Design POP this year.
Email Alexandra at [email protected]
Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn
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Access on-demand training at The Design POP.
Questions? Email [email protected]
The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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In this episode, Alexandra returns from Experience 2025 with a renewed voiceâliterally and figuratively. After a whirlwind of hockey coaching, travel, and the inevitable fall-break cold, she reflects on what kids learning to skate can teach adults about bravery, mindset, and the power of getting back up quickly.
Alexandra sits down with keynote speaker, bestselling author, and podcast host Amy Jo Martin, who describes herself as a ârenegade of lifeâ and a lifelong learner. Together, they explore what it means to embrace curiosity, take the next brave step, and say âWhy not now?ââwhether in your creative practice, your career, or your personal world.
Amy Jo shares her renegade rules, including asking for forgiveness instead of permission, buying back time through AI, and learning to green-light your own ideas today rather than someday. She also tells the incredible story of how she accidentally helped launch the very first Twitter verified checkmark and how that moment changed her career forever.
Alexandra also recaps her favorite moments from Experience 2025. Whether youâre a designer, a leader, or someone standing at the edge of your next âtrampoline moment,â this episode challenges you to move forwardâtoday, not tomorrowâand surround yourself with people who cheer when you fall and when you rise.
Learn more about Amy Jo Martin
Follow Amy Jo Martin on LinkedIn
Listen to Amy Jo's podcast "Why Not Now?"
Buy Amy Jo Martin's book: "Renegades Write The Rules"
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Join a Peer Circle
Access on-demand training at The Design POP.
Questions? Email [email protected]
The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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We are coming to you live from Day 1 of Experienceâformerly known as CET Experienceâwhere nearly 500 designers, manufacturers, and sponsors are fueling the excitement and innovation shaping the design industry. This year marks a major shift not just in the name, but in what the event represents. Configuraâs vision has expanded beyond CET, and Experience now captures the full scope of their technology solutions.
In this episode Alexandra sits down with two of Configura's very own Aaron Okkema, Head of Sales for North America, and Rob Detrick, Product Manager for Commercial Interiors, about the big announcements from the opening keynote.
Check out Configura's Roadmap to discover upcoming projects and share your innovative ideas for future development.
Questions for Configura? Ask Alexandra or Brooke Snow
Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn
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Access on-demand training at The Design POP.
Questions? Email [email protected]
The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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In this episode, Alexandra Tseffos breaks down the results of her latest dealer designer survey, which drew responses from nearly 175 professionals across the industry. The survey explores the confidence levels of designers in core responsibilities such as technical specification, ancillary selection, pricing, meeting participation, live design, and advanced visualization.
Not only did Alexandra share the numbers and highlight various results, but she also brings in two expert voices to put the findings into perspective. First, we hear from Shelley Rosetta, Principal at Solomon Coyle who reflects on the broader industry context, the importance of continuous learning, and how AI is reshaping workflows. Then we hear from Kari Anderson, Owner of Techbox Collective, who discusses what the survey results mean for manufacturersâplus she highlights how better tools, cleaner data, and thoughtful training can raise both confidence and competence across the field.
Together, these conversations uncover surprising gaps, celebrate areas of strength, and explore how designersâalong with dealerships and manufacturers can evolve together. Whether youâre a dealer designer, leader, or manufacturer, there are plenty of insights to spark new conversations about the future of design.
Download the full report here.
Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn
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Access on-demand training at The Design POP.
Questions? Email [email protected]
The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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In this inspiring episode, Alexandra sits down with Christine Crawford, Design Manager at Alfred Williams & Company in Nashville and MillerKnollâs Designer of the Year. Christine shares her journey from an eager design student who did whatever it took to land an internship, to becoming the leader of a design team and the force behind a $15 million project. Her story highlights the power of curiosity, tenacity, and taking bold risksâsuch as writing a letter to land her dream role.
Through Christineâs perspective, we explore what it means to redefine âperfect,â why dealer design can be a powerful accelerator for young careers, and how collaboration and courage shape long-term success. Whether youâre a student, a young designer, or a seasoned professional, Christineâs journey will leave you with practical wisdom and the confidence to bet on yourself.
Check out Alfred Williams & Company
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Check out Configura's Experience Conference in Orlando
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In this episode, designer, author, and Thunder Egg founder Brittney Herrera shares her personal journey through the design industryâfrom internships and dealership work to leading her own firm. Along the way, she opens up about navigating firm politics, discovering her strengths, and learning how to turn every experience into a stepping stone for growth. Brittney's book Inside the Design Industry quickly became an Amazon best-seller and a must-read for students. This conversation brings her book and it's lessons to life.
Whether youâre a design student, recent graduate, or just starting out in your career, youâll hear practical advice on networking, mentorship, interviews, and building confidence in an often-intimidating industry. Industry veteran Jeff Carlson from My Resource Library joins the conversation as wellâadding some great advice about connecting with others through LinkedIn. This episode is both a guide and an encouragement for anyone ready to find their place in design.
Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn.
Access on-demand training at The Design POP.
Get $75 off CET Experience by using promo code: THEDESIGNPOP75 if you register before September 22, 2025.
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In this episode of The Design Pop, Alexandra welcomes Jennifer Evans, VP of Design and Development at Hyphn, formerly BKM. With nearly two decades of experience rising through the same dealership, Jennifer shares her unique journey from project designer to leadership.
She reveals how curiosity, problem-solving, and a passion for process led her upward. They explore how Hyphn's evolutionâfrom rebranding to strategic acquisitionâhas strengthened its culture and diversified its services to meet the changing demands of todayâs workplace.
Jennifer also talks about building strong design teams, empowering designers through live design sessions, incentivizing client engagement, and embracing the "uncomfortable" as a pathway to growth. Throughout this episode, Jennifer shares insights on capacity challenges, industry training gaps, and the mindset shift that's required to lead effectively.
What if the key to elevating dealer design isn't just mastering tools, but learning how to create better conversations?
Subscribe to The Design POP to access POP into Excellence recordings.
Use this link for $75 off Configura's Experience in Orlando. Or use promo code TheDesignPOP75 at checkout.
Follow us on social media to hear more about our upcoming launches on The Design POP. Instagram and LinkedIn.
The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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On this episode of The Design POP Podcast, host Alexandra Tseffos sits down with Erica JaffeâCreative Director & Ancillary Specialist at Benhar Office Interiors, and affectionately known as the "Office Furniture Girl" on Instagram, to explore how dealer designers can sharpen their approach and enhance their impact on client interactions.
From her early days in interior design, retail furniture sales, to business development at a dealership, Erica shares how clear communication, thoughtful expectation-setting, and a dose of humor can transform the designer-client relationship. Hear how she's leveraging social media to educate, entertain, and build both trust and credibility within the design community.
Where to find The Design POP in Chicago https://www.thedesignpop.com/Chicago-2025
The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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Stephanie Wolfson, Design Manager at HAT Collective, didnât set out to become a designerâshe followed her curiosity, and it led her somewhere unexpected. With a background in theater and marketing, she found her way into the world of commercial interiors and discovered a love for the â3D puzzlesâ of furniture design.
In this episode, Stephanie shares how curiosity helped her carve out new roles, take a bold career pause, and navigate the tough conversations that come with growth. Itâs a candid, inspiring look at whatâs possible when you stop chasing the perfect planâand start following what lights you up.
Learn more about POP into Excellence 2025; a professional development event for dealer designers & design leaders
Last chance for "All Access:" https://www.thedesignpop.com/offers/dmdNUU2R/checkout
The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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In this episode, we sit down with Kate Bradley and Pam Smithâtwo former dealer designers who made the jump to the A&D world and now work at HKS. They open up about what that transition was really like, from unexpected stress relief to letting go of manufacturer sales goals and adapting to new tech.
We dive into the sometimes tricky dynamic between dealerships and A&D firms, and what it takes to collaborate well. Kate and Pam share what they wish they had known earlier, bust a few myths (like whether fancy renderings actually help win projects), and offer real, practical advice for building better partnerships.
Register for FREE to attend the webinar Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Collaboration Between Dealer Designers and A+D
Submit a question for the panelists link: https://www.thedesignpop.com/pie-2025-questions
Learn more about POP into Excellence 2025; a professional development event for dealer designers & design leaders
The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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In this candid conversation, Alexandra chats with Wesley Edmonds, Director of Workplace at OFS, about the challenges and opportunities for women in design. They tackle the evolving role of dealer designers, the gender gap in leadership, and how sponsorship can fuel career growth.
With personal stories, industry insights, and plenty of laughter, they explore the disconnect between A&D and dealer designers, the need to break down silos, and why empowering all designersâregardless of titleâmatters. Plus, they get real about juggling careers and motherhood in a fast-paced, male-dominated industry.
Honest, funny, and full of actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in workplace design or leadership.
Oh, and Pop Into Excellence kicks off on May 5th! (Stay tuned for more information).
The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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Join Alexandra Tseffos as she chats with innovation strategist Shawn Kanungo about how AI is shaking up the commercial interiors industry. After crossing paths at CET Experience, where Shawn delivered a keynote that got everyone thinking, they dive into what it really means to be "remarkable" in an AI-powered world. From lessons in cross-industry innovation to the future of furniture specification, this conversation will challenge how you see technologyâs role in design. Whether youâre all-in on AI or still a little skeptical, Shawnâs take on embracing disruption "without losing the human touch" is one you wonât want to miss.
The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)
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On this episode, I sit down with Rob Kirkbride (Editor in Chief of officeinsight magazine), a true legend in commercial furniture journalism. Robâs seen it allâfrom covering âjust office furnitureâ in the early days to witnessing the incredible changes shaping our industry today. Recorded LIVE from the CET Experience in October, we dive into some seriously interesting stuff, like how AI is shaking up design and journalism, why in-person workplace connections are more important than ever, and what itâs like to have toured almost every furniture factory out there. Rob also shares his thoughts on mentorship, the future of dealer networks, and how we can better connect with younger professionals. Itâs a lively, thoughtful conversation with someone whoâs been at the heart of our industry for yearsâjoin us!
You can hear more on CETx, such as one of our most popular episodes, "Look for Friendly Faces."
Learn more about ROOM
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