The Design Pop

Does your expertise make the people around you more capable or does everything come through you?

There's a difference between being a linchpin and being a bottleneck. If you're a linchpin, you're indispensable because you make everyone around you better. If you're a bottleneck, you're indispensable because nothing can happen without you.

AI and technology continue to reshape the design industry and as a result, we are either becoming more valuable to our teams or holding them back. Inspired by conversations at Configura's Experience and Seth Godin's book Linchpin, Alexandra explores the evolving role of designers, the importance of collaboration, and why true expertise isn't about being the person everyone depends on, but the person who makes everyone around them better.

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In this episode, Alexandra sits down with Configura CEO Steven Jenkins to discuss what attendees can expect from Experience Cincinnati and how the event has evolved over the years. Steven also shares a preview of Configura’s future vision, including more connected, flexible, AI-enhanced tools that can support designers across every stage of the workflow. Together, they explore the importance of customer feedback, innovation, and creating more seamless experiences for the commercial interiors industry.

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Listen to Steven's previous episode on The Design POP

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The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)

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Julie Sayers never planned to become a business owner or mayor. She began her career as a dealer designer, became a co-owner of encompas, and now serves as the mayor of Lenexa, Kansas.

In this conversation, Julie shares how design skills like listening, problem-solving, building coalitions, and serving people have shaped every part of her career. She talks about encompas’s unique approach to design and customer service, the future of AI in the industry, taking on major leadership roles, and why she rejects the idea that imposter syndrome should hold people back.

Julie’s story is a powerful reminder that a career in design can lead in unexpected directions. And that sometimes the best way forward is to say "yes" and figure out the details along the way.

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The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)

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Heather Ashley started Cove Creek in 2022 with a computer, an LLC, and a willingness to take a risk. What began as a one-person operation has grown into a successful team of six designers serving dealers and manufacturers across the industry.

In this episode, Heather shares how she built Cove Creek through relationships, word of mouth, continuous learning, and a commitment to creating the kind of flexible, supportive workplace she wanted for herself and her team. She also reflects on the challenges of working independently, the importance of finding good people, and how her team is thinking about the future of design and AI.

This is more than a story about business growth, it's a conversation about building something meaningful and getting to write the story your own way.

Sign Up for Experience with The Design POP promo code!

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The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)

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Summer has been moving at full speed. In this episode, Alexandra reflects on Chicago Design Week, a record-breaking year for POP into Excellence, and the conversations that stayed with her after the event ended. With more than 2,300 seats filled across 11 sessions, this year’s event was a powerful reminder that growth does not have a finish line—and that many of the challenges designers face are shared across the industry.

Curious about POP into Excellence?

Take a look at the full 2026 lineup: https://www.thedesignpop.com/pop-into-excellence-2026

Want to explore past sessions?

You'll find recordings from all three years of POP into Excellence, along with more information about the event here: https://www.thedesignpop.com/pop-into-excellence

Looking for a little more time to learn?

Throughout July, we're offering a 30-Day Learning Pass. For a one-time $50, you'll have 30 days to explore the complete POP into Excellence recording library plus more than 850 searchable training videos covering CET, Spec, Worksheet, Aline, and other dealer design technology. It's a simple way to experience The Design POP without an ongoing subscription. (And yes—even if you purchase it on July 31, you still get a full 30 days.)

https://www.thedesignpop.com/offers/SoVFRjFt/checkout

If you'd like to stick around after that...

You can learn more about monthly and annual memberships here: https://www.thedesignpop.com/pricing

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The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)

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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.

Today’s 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 demands—all 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

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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 “anxious overachiever” 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 isn’t 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 you’re 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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After celebrating five years of https://www.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, there’s also a story about compostable diapers. No script. No guest. Just a thoughtful industry check-in from inside the Design POP community.

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The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)

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This first “POP In” episode is a quick check-in—no 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 designers—Alexandra 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.

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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 company’s early employees, what he learned after leaving to build leadership experience in larger global organizations, and what it’s 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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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 you’re 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.

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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 he’s 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 can’t be fast-tracked.

From drafting tables and early CAD days to live design, sales leadership—Chad’s story proves that experience and people skills still carry real weight in our industry. This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered if they’re “doing it wrong” and need permission to define success on their own terms.

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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 share—finishing something big and immediately moving on to what’s 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 alexandra@thedesignpop.com

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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 voice—literally 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 “renegade of life” and a lifelong learner. Together, they explore what it means to embrace curiosity, take the next brave step, and say “Why not now?”—whether 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 you’re a designer, a leader, or someone standing at the edge of your next “trampoline moment,” this episode challenges you to move forward—today, not tomorrow—and surround yourself with people who cheer when you fall and when you rise.

Learn more about Amy Jo Martin

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Listen to Amy Jo's podcast "Why Not Now?"

Buy Amy Jo Martin's book: "Renegades Write The Rules"

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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 Experience—formerly known as CET Experience—where 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. Configura’s 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

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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 manufacturers—plus 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 designers—along with dealerships and manufacturers can evolve together. Whether you’re 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.

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The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this inspiring episode, Alexandra sits down with Christine Crawford, Design Manager at Alfred Williams & Company in Nashville and MillerKnoll’s 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 risks—such as writing a letter to land her dream role.

Through Christine’s perspective, we explore what it means to redefine “perfect,” why dealer design can be a powerful accelerator for young careers, and how collaboration and courage shape long-term success. Whether you’re a student, a young designer, or a seasoned professional, Christine’s 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 industry—from 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 you’re a design student, recent graduate, or just starting out in your career, you’ll 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 well—adding 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.

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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 evolution—from rebranding to strategic acquisition—has strengthened its culture and diversified its services to meet the changing demands of today’s 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.

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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 Jaffe—Creative 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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