Design Camp

Design Camp sounds like something you might do with your kids, but don't be fooled by it's name, this is a, seriously take your business to the next level, dynamic event!  Ultimately, Design Camp at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta was an amazing experience which will expand my opportunities and streamline my process.

Kelli Ellis, Me, Lori Dennis & Margaret Norcott

Kelli Ellis and Lori Dennis, our industrious leaders and Design Camp founders and my new friend and very talented designer, Margaret Norcott (Milieu Design Group).

V & M founder's colorful presentation about Design Trends of 2013.   

My table of Designers the First Day!

 The beginning of "Camp" we did not know what to expect, but we were all very excited to connect and share with our follow designers  and design industry leaders from around the globe!

 Implementing proven systems which allow me to streamline the paperwork side of the business will give me more time to focus on my clients.

Geraldo Jackonelli, photographer and Ronda Carmon, All the Best blog

Advise on photographing our design work from the  photographer extraordinaire, Geraldo Jackonelli.

Annie Nozawa, Houzz Executive

 Learning more about how to utilize Houzz to grow my business nationally and internationally was very insightful.  I had heard the founder of Houzz at The International Homes Furnishings Market talk about the opportunities for Designers on Houzz, but it took Annie's presentation to motivate me to create my professional profile on their website.  The staff at Houzz is outstanding and very supportive of designers.

Kimberly Seldon, designer & trainer

 Kimberly was one of my favorite speakers, she was hilarious and so on point for the ways designers might get in our own way in our business.  Her no-nonsense approach and advise was very helpful.

Kelli Ellis, Lori Dennis and HansGrohe executive

No one leaves design camp empty handed!  Lots of giveaways including a fabulous new shower head from Hans Grohe (www.hansgrohe.com/) for all the attendees!!  It felt like the Oprah Show...everybody wins!!!  I can't wait to install my fixture, my Master Bath redesign just got moved to the top of the list!

Me and Kelli Ellis

 Kelli and Lori are so down to earth.  Definitely recommend this experience to any designer who is looking for ways to take their business to the next level.

Margaret Norcott, designer & Paloma Contreas of La Dolce Vita (blog)

 Not only did we have a room full of Design greats, but we also had some very successful bloggers in attendance.  Paloma Contreas has a great blog that I follow, La Dolce Vita (paloma81.blogspot.com/) and Margaret Norcott, (millieudesigngroup.com/blog), I have just started to follow.  It was a great opportunity to meet them and discuss blog strategy.

MArgaret Norcott, Shea Geyer, Kelli Ellis, Ronda Carmon (All the Best Blog), & Sarah Cain

 Ronda Carmon, has an HUGE fan-base which of course includes me, for her All the Best blog (www.allthebestblog.co.uk/).  She interviews amazing designers on a weekly basis.

Susannah Salk (author), Clinton Smith of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle, and Leslie Newsom Rascoe of Veranda Magazine

 Now be honest, who wants to get published?  Answer...all designers.  At least I know that I do.  We had three dynamic heavy hitters to show us the way.  Susannah Salk(susannasalk.com/)publishes compilations for other designers work, Clinton Smith and Leslie Newsom Rascoe are the editors of two of my ALL TIME favorite magazines, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle (www.atlantahomesmag.com) and Veranda (www.veranda.com/).  To make it into their magazines would be a dream come true.  It was incredible to meet them and get their advise on how to navigate the waters of getting noticed and published.

My Accommodations, thank you Lisa for your hospitality!

Susannah Salk, Design Book Author

Beautiful SubZero/Wolf Showroom

SubZero Refrigerator

Gorgeous Showroom for SubZero/Wolf in Buckhead, Atlanta

Margaret Norcott, Barry Dixon  & Sarah Cain 

 Barry Dixon (www.barrydixon.com/), a Design legend, was so open and charming.  I love to listen to creative people discuss their vision and creative process.  It inspires follow my instincts.  What a pleasure it was to meet him.

The Bruschwig & Fils Showroom at ADAC

The Bruschwig & Fils Showroom at ADAC

 I love fabric!  In addition to the fabulous speakers and amazing opportunities to learn from leaders in the design community, we also had great evening soirées which took place in three of the top Atlanta showrooms: SubZero in Buckhead, Kravet and the Bruschwig & Fils Showroom at ADAC.   

Another great vinette at SubZero/Wolf Showroom in Buckhead, Atlanta

cocktails at SubZero/Wolf

SubZero/Wolf Showroom

Margaret Norcott 

It's often difficult to fit in special events and opportunities into our busy schedules, but I am so thankful that I made the effort to attend the Atlanta Design Camp.  I have already begun to implement some of the great advise shared and expect to see the results in my business this year.  The systems for simplifying our business will be invaluable and the new network of friends/colleagues will no doubt bring countless rewards!  Thank you Kelli and Lori!