If you are already a BOH Insider member and are looking to take this class, please register via your Benefits Portal.
Sourcing product (and, let’s be honest, managing personalities) is at the heart of what a designer does. Whether it’s a whole-home project or simply a room refresh, designers are tasked with selecting options for all the various pieces necessary to complete a space. We’re talking furniture, lighting, fabric, wallpaper, drapery, rugs, decorative accessories, artwork and more. It’s a lot! This workshop is aimed at equipping designers with the critical skills to streamline their sourcing process as a means to enhancing profitability without sacrificing integrity—it even includes a discussion on the oft-overlooked topic of markups. Designer Sara Malek Barney, who knows all about the nuances of product selection, will cover a variety of methods for sourcing materials, furniture and decor, both online and in-person, with an emphasis on building strong supplier relationships, managing costs effectively, and practicing negotiation tactics that produce results. For seasoned professionals and startup entrepreneurs alike, this course will provide actionable strategies to save time, reduce costs, and improve overall project margins.
In this class, attendees will learn how to:- Leverage digital tools and platforms to source materials and furnishings more efficiently- Initiate and nurture supplier relationships through personalized outreach- Identify ethical and sustainable sourcing practices to align with client values- Negotiate better deals to optimize profitability
After this class, attendees will have:- Practical negotiation tactics to reduce material and furniture costs- Insights into applying markups to improve profit margins- Tips for maintaining design quality while managing costs
Additional Information: This is an online course conducted through Zoom. You will receive an email with information on how to join.
About the Instructor: Sara Malek Barney is the mastermind behind Bandd/Design, an award-winning interior design firm with offices in Austin and Los Angeles. Since its establishment in 2017, the firm has successfully completed more than 160 residential projects, many of which have been recognized around the world. High-quality, approachable design is the driving force behind everything Bandd does. As an extension of her passion for interiors, Barney launched Bandd/Development in 2021, an enterprise dedicated to renovating and building beautiful homes throughout Austin, Southern California and nationwide. In late 2023, she founded The Designer Alliance, a network of design professionals who gather together in the spirit of celebrating the industry as a whole.
BOH Insider members get unlimited free LAUNCH classes. Click here to learn more. If you are already a BOH Insider member and are looking to take this class, please register via your Benefits Portal.
