Software is in the spotlight for November’s Webinars. By Dianne M. Pogoda

 

Many materials associated with kitchen and bath remodeling are usually hard — cabinetry, fixtures, countertops, porcelain, granite, quartz. But an increasingly critical element in the design process is soft — software, that is.

November’s free NKBA webinar series, generously sponsored by Geberit, is all about design software.

Each month, NKBA offers free 60-minute webinars, each of which features a presentation by an expert in the specific subject matter, delivered via a virtual platform. The sessions offer certified participants 0.1 CEU per event — it’s an easy way for designers to collect the CEUs needed to maintain NKBA certification. Participants must engage in 80 percent of the sessions to receive CEU credit; registration closes two hours prior to start times. All times listed are Eastern.

Starting on Nov. 5 at 12 noon, Kimberly Oliver, 2020 trainer for 2020 Spaces, will discuss how to “Impress Your Client While Designing Smarter and Faster.” Using design software changes the way a designer works and communicates with clients, and allows for fast changes and multiple options. The software also  automatically generates perspective views that provide the client with immediate visuals and photo-realistic renderings, and built-in pricing that makes it easy to give clients accurate project estimates. The software also creates order lists in real time as the design is happening, ready to send to vendors and dealers, saving time and effort. Finally, the designer is able to print plans with all the information needed for installers and sub-contractors.

To register for “Impress Your Client While Designing Smarter and Faster,” click here.

Next up, on Nov. 13 at noon, Philip Gibney, a sales and marketing professional for Chief Architect, will demystify “3D Design Software – How to Get Started Easily.” Gibney will show how 3D design software can help designers create fast and efficient construction documents and produce 3D visualization, including floor plans, elevations and cross-section views for the purpose of producing construction drawings and 3D views and models, to help communicate with clients and sell the job. He’ll show how to develop workflows to save time, create design options for up-sell opportunities, use smart tools, and learn how to communicate design ideas using renderings, 360 images, 3D Viewers and virtual reality.

To register for “3D Design Software – How to Get Started Easily,” click here.

On Nov. 18 at noon, celebrity designer and TV host Chip Wade, AKBD, owner and lead designer at Wade Works Creative LLC, will present “The Designer’s Guide to 3D Visualization.”

Wade will reveal the process of using SketchUp for an on-the-spot design layout and visualization elevation. Attendees will learn about producing multiple design layouts for use in client presentations, often with different options that can be rotated around as the clients watch. This program is a design tool used to experiment with different layouts of walls, cabinet styles, appliance and sink center layout, plumbing locations, electrical outlets and other features of a room.  With a well-dimensioned model for the overall project, designers can create dimensioned drawings and work out the little details that make for smooth installations.

To register for “The Designer’s Guide to 3D Visualization,” click here.

Finally, on Nov. 20 at noon, “Creating a Profitable Business Model & Project Management Efficiencies with Ivy” will be presented by Reisa Elden, head of events for Ivy Design Software. This webinar is designed to teach designers how to leverage technology in running their businesses. Elden will cover such topics as learning to keep track all of work time — even hours that are not billable to clients; understanding profitability;  understanding the numbers in everyday business using software built for interior designers that helps bring the business to the next level; when to outsource tasks or functions and how to layer those costs into project fees; charging for the proper value, and understanding the billing structure and administrative functions, with a goal to be at a 40% gross profit margin.

To register for “Creating a Profitable Business Model & Project Management Efficiencies with Ivy,’ click here.