Design Industry Perspectives on the Impact of Coronavirus

How has the reality of social distancing affected you and your business operations?

Tom Marquardt, founder, Marquardt+: “First, we at marquardt+ encourage the use the term physical distancing as it gets to the point of the intent and meaning of social distancing, without insinuating we are to also socially disconnect, which is an important part of my response to these questions. On a professional level, of course no one is physically working in the studio or on any job sites as part of our self-isolation in Chicago (as in the majority of states in the US). We have both Zoom and Go-To-Meeting conferencing systems in place, as many of our team do not live in Chicago, but in other parts of the US and thus we were predisposed to having the systems and processes in place to work remote prior to the pandemic, fortunately. This is not the case for many medium to smaller practices. We also have reps from companies like Laminart and Knoll, who are doing digital product updates and presentations that we are scheduling in leu of them being able to come to the studio in person for such updates.”

Alan Kemp, head of brand marketing, Graham & Brown: “We began by reducing the numbers in the office by working alternate patterns, then eventually to working from home for everyone able to.  The design studio go into check proofs but minimising the amount of people on site and keeping safe distances apart.  Ultimately the production facility had to shut down. This has meant putting much of the factory workforce on furlough but the Business has generously agreed to pay the additional 20% to ensure our colleagues are on full pay at the current time. Our distribution centre is still open dealing with the spike in web orders, but with a reduced number of people to ensure safe working distances – while our customer service teams continue to work many from home thanks to our recently upgraded phone systems. These are unprecedented times and I’m really proud to work for this company and how everyone has pulled together – with daily bulletins from the board on what is happening in relation to our business has been wonderfully communicated.”

Elliot Barratt, managing director, Elliot James Interiors: “Being based in Singapore, we have been living with these conditions a little longer than Europe so are getting used to remote working. Fortunately we are not on the same level of lock down as the UK but we are taking temperature checks twice a day, my whole team are working from home, however it is working well. Our business runs on Google Suite so our server, documents are all accessible, most of our software is either on our laptops or web browser based so operationally it hasn't hindered us too much... but arguably the most important piece of software has been Google Meet. It has allowed us to meet with each other each morning, discuss projects throughout the day and have joint meeting with our clients locally based or overseas.”

Joe Walmsley, managing director, Daedalian Glass Studios: “Social distancing had forced Daedalian Glass Studios to close our site completely. We were starting to have difficulties in our supply chain and our studio Founder, Davia Walmsley and our Technical Director (her husband), Chris Walmsley live next to our glass studios and are both in the ‘at risk’ category so it was an easy decision make to protect their safety. Now that a safe time period has passed, Davia has the run of the studio so we await to see what exciting new glass designs she has to unveil once this is all over!”

If you’ve had to work from home, how do you stay motivated / preserve your mental wellbeing?

Tom Marquardt, founder, Marquardt+: “Fortunately, the City of Chicago allows for short times out to exercise, so my partner and I take 3-5 mile power walks every morning, maintaining the appropriate physical distancing, and we now wear masks and gloves, more so to get used to not touching our faces! We also try to maintain a consistent weekday schedule and weekend activities, even if it’s planning at home. We also try to regulate our eating as much as possible, as it’s easy to fall into stress eating. We also limit the time we spend watching any news programs and updates, unless there is a specific announcement from the City of Chicago or State of Illinois. Here is an exceptional article the A&D account manager for Sunbrella Fabrics posted that really sums up our approach and thinking, and was extremely helpful to the team and our friends: Why You Should Ignore All That Coronavirus-Inspired Productivity Pressure.”

Alan Kemp, head of brand marketing, Graham & Brown: “We have increased the amount of video conferencing.  We recognised early on how important it was to have face to face contact with colleagues and friends. I have a morning “huddle” with the team at 9:30 which gives me time to do PE with my two children and Joe Wicks! Home schooling has been far more challenging than working from home. I then catch up with the team at the end of the day. Over the last week I have had to furlough some of the team in the best interests of the business. Again the company is paying the 20% top up to these employees.”

Elliot Barratt, managing director, Elliot James Interiors: “This has been a concern of mine and who we stay motivated. My solution has been retain a level of routine, get dressed for work (within reason, I've forgone the three-piece suit), and dedicate a room to be the office. I've tried to position it in the furthest room in the house from the living room or bedroom, it allows me to move to that part of the home for work, and close it off at the end of the working day and close myself off from it. To keep my team motivated, we are having regular catch-ups throughout the day, we work across email, messenger and video calls so we can ensure we're still all in touch whenever we need to be.”

Joe Walmsley, managing director, Daedalian Glass Studios: “The change of routine is the first hurdle to overcome. I know the situation varies across our team as some live in shared accommodation, some with family, some alone – and each has its own associated challenges.  We have tried to set up a new routine with conference calls for our regular meetings, etc. and to work toward making that the new ‘normal’ (at least for the time being). Flexibility is also important, and having a chat during these conference calls to keep the human connections we have formed alive.”

What has been or will be the biggest challenge you or your business will face throughout this uncertain time?

Tom Marquardt, founder, Marquardt+: “I have always operated marquardt+ as a “cash” business, and to date never borrowed money. Thus at this juncture we are still financially secure, but also because we had reduced our overhead and operations significantly in our evolution as a practice in 2018. Still, it’s scary - and also the fact that I cannot provide more work at this time, to my employees and consultants, but time will tell. Looking at essential services and making sure we are not being wasteful is critical now, as it should be at any time running a business!”

Alan Kemp, head of brand marketing, Graham & Brown: “We know things are uncertain. The manufacturing part of our business has closed mostly because our core business suppliers retailers who have had to shut themselves. This has driven more online traffic, but 10% of wallpaper was sold online prior to the outbreak, so we are not going to be able to cover off all of the missing 90% of income, inspite of the demand for home deocr increasing. The biggest challenge is how long will it last and no one knows. Fortunately everyone is in the same boat – its going to be like an IT approach to the economy -  turning it off and back on again. All I worry about are the people in the nhs dealing with the frontline – its going to be like we’re at war.”

Elliot Barratt, managing director, Elliot James Interiors: “I think in all honesty... it will be survival. We don't know how long these conditions will actually last, I suspect the landscape will look very different when we do resume "normality". Fortunately we have always run scenarios and build financial models so we can be as ready as possible to weather a storm. I think as designers, it will be our job to create the new environments, new ways of living, working, socialising.”

What measures have been put place for employees, customers and clients in response?

Tom Marquardt, founder, Marquardt+: “Construction of infrastructure can be considered an essential service, yet there many construction sites still in operation. I am not sure how I feel about that because any risk could mean lives, yet some of our clients are in a bind with where they are in their work and needs to move in whether this continues or not. We did have to explain to one commercial client that we would not be making site visits during the self-isolation period as I could not ask my employees and consultants to take any risks - first and foremost for their well-being, yet also due to any liability it could bring to our workman’s comp insurance. That said, it is not difficult to have the general contractor who is on site, to connect through an iPad or mobile to do a virtual walk through and site checks - which we also have done so in the past with clients in other cities in the US. We are also communicating internally with live conferencing, and sometimes keep our employees desktops live on our system, so we can work along with them in real time as if they were sitting next to us!”

Alan Kemp, head of brand marketing, Graham & Brown: “Delivery and customer service is being maintained in order to keep the business working for as we are allowed. We are supporting our retailers with this service also. For the employees, the company has communicated daily on an ever changing landscape and are topping up the furlough payments currently in order that people are effectively on full pay. This encourages our team to play its part in the fight against the virus by staying home.”

Elliot Barratt, managing director, Elliot James Interiors: “We have been working with clients who live all over the world so from a communication point of view, we've been able to speak, having meetings via video conferencing. We are sending more indepth site updates via video and photos. We are sharing screens more to discuss features we have designed. For our employees, as previously mentioned, we have built financial models to ensure we can sustain this for a while. Our team are set up with their laptops and diverted phones so they are able to work from home.

We are also extremely honest with our team so they know where we are and how we're doing. It's important that everyone feels a sense of responsibility for the success or survival. I always want my team to feel that they have control or the ability to make the difference. I feel this experience will only make us stronger and closer as a company.”

Joe Walmsley, managing director, Daedalian Glass Studios: “We have a stock of raw materials remaining on site, and we are working with clients to reserve pre-existing stock from our suppliers (to be delivered once safe to do so) so that we can begin manufacturing for their projects as soon as we are able to reopen the studio. Our office team (marketing and sales, finance, glass design) are all working from home and able to assist clients with all phases of their project up to the manufacture stage in the meantime. All our studio team, who are unable to work from home, have been furloughed with their wages covered by the company until the government scheme is up and running.”

Have you got any plans to change the way you do business and provide flexibility during this period to keep your business running?

Tom Marquardt, founder, Marquardt+: “As the format of marquardt+ has been predisposed to work remotely already, we are using this time to actually start to populate our newly completed website, so as we pull out of the pandemic we can launch it and market for new work. Also, we are working with our brand and marketing team here at marquardt+ to develop strategy consulting to other businesses, in light of the effects of the pandemic, to reposition themselves and their teams to the new normal that is yet to be defined.”

Elliot Barratt, managing director, Elliot James Interiors: “We have projects that are continuing to run as we are working under these conditions and there will likely be delays but the newly implemented system of working seems to be working. I don't think we're about to give up the office after this, but we consider ourselves to be a flexible company that often works from various places around the world and we feel we can adapt. We have always worked on across residential, commercial and corporate interior design and I feel that this is very important to continue this in the future. Many of the office projects have instantly halted, however residential projects have continued and its important for us spread many types of design as we will need to think very differently once this situation lifts.

I envisage we may have requests to redesign many homes to cater better for a work / live lifestyle. A home that can allow us to spend large amounts of time in without feeling claustrophobic. These spaces will have to separate work and play and ensure one isn't detrimental to the other.”

Joe Walmsley, managing director, Daedalian Glass Studios: “We have used this as an good reason to upgrade our computer systems and their software to allow a smoother transition to remote working when necessary. Upgrading the collective teams ability to stay in communication when working remotely will have a long term benefit to Daedalian Glass Studios as it will improve our ability to disseminate key information to the team following client meeting or when working on-site.”

Have you been inspired to help support communities around you?

Tom Marquardt, founder, Marquardt+: “A CPD police officer and friend of ours that we have known for years tested positive for COVID-19 this week, as have many City of Chicago officers. I am not telling you this as an example of us helping as much as being inspired at the way people are pulling together socially and culturally, to help each other and the greater community at large. We offered to get them provisions and so forth, but fortunately he has a good network of friends and support to help, which is not the case for everyone.

We also have a large number of once thriving independent businesses here on Clark Street, our high street in the Andersonville neighbourhood of Chicago that have taken a serious hit due to the pandemic and shut down orders from the city. We are continuously publishing the importance of those with means to still order food for pick up or delivery, and buy locally as possible online from these businesses, but we have also committed to do so at least twice a week, in hopes they can hang on and recover once this is over. It’s a small gesture but an important one, as they all add up to us helping each other in any way we can while taking care of ourselves in the process.”

Alan Kemp, head of brand marketing, Graham & Brown: “When our factory closed with the factory shutdown all the food was parcelled up and delivered to Blackburn Youth Zone a local charity that also had to close its facilities but supports the youth of the area through food parcels and online support.”

Elliot Barratt, managing director, Elliot James Interiors: “Absolutely. We have enjoyed helping people by offering advice on spacial planning. We've looked at how we can share our resource and outsource our skills to other design firms, clients and join forces.

We have also looked at how we charge. We have various stages and break points like many design firms, but we can offer a design concept as an inital stage so clients can begin the process ready for when they are able to move back to their offices or new home.”

Joe Walmsley, managing director, Daedalian Glass Studios: “This is very difficult given much of the local community around our studios is now closed - the team are however all doing their bit for those in need in their own local communities, and of course heeding the government instruction to help beat COVID-19 and support our world class NHS.”

How has the reality of social distancing affected you and your business operations?

Simon Campbell, managing director, Portview: “While the government remains somewhat ambiguous in regards to the closure of construction sites, we took the precautionary action to temporarily close all of our sites to ensure the welfare of our team and community. We are continuing to work closely with our clients and supply chain to support their needs and advise them of our contingency plans for when we return. In the meantime, our teams are working on the administrative and technical aspects of our projects remotely, whilst we await further guidance from the government on relaxing social distancing measures.

It is regrettable that we are not able to create amazing spaces for a while, but with time, we will again. We look forward to coming back stronger than ever and creating beautiful new spaces that everyone will be able to enjoy with their friends and family so much more. I believe, that if there is one positive thing to come out of the crisis for the industry, it will be a revitalised appreciation of space and an increased appetite for experiential environments that bring people together and enhance their social wellbeing.”

Sophie Stevens, founder & creative director, SGS Design: “Following the initial shock of leaving our lovely Studio our team comprising of 5 designers, procurement manger and myself are now all established at home and working efficiently remotely. We decided to close down the Studio quite early in the gradual lock-down so we had a chance to experiment and make a return visit to collect anything we’d overlooked before it was too late.  Our biggest challenges are partial site closures and reduced or no access to live projects, being unable to visit suppliers (although most have been fantastic and are still working hard to provide everything we need) and no face-to-face contact with clients to share designs and samples for sign-off is tricky.”

Sarah Holey, marketing manager, Parkside Architectural Tiles: “The situation is changing all the time, but at the moment the majority of the Parkside team are working from home, using Microsoft Teams and WhatsApp to stay in touch. Our supply chain has been affected as some factories are currently under production lockdown, although they can still ship stocked product. That said, our sampling department is still able to operate safely, so we are continuing to despatch for now. Our ethos has always been about collaborating with our clients and recent events have made that even more important. We’re focused on staying in touch and supporting our partners, but of course, our number one priority is to protect the wellbeing of our staff.”

Averil Blundell, founder, Averil Blundell Interior Design: “We are lucky that all of our current projects are currently at the initial pre-build stage (although one of our main projects was due to start on site imminently) so although the current situation will likely push back site start dates, the majority of our current work we can do from our computers. The social distancing restrictions do however mean that we aren’t able to meet potential clients to discuss future projects which will also have a knock on effect on our pipeline of projects. The Studio is at my home so we are lucky that we can still get access to our reference library etc without having to travel.”

If you’ve had to work from home, how do you stay motivated / preserve your mental wellbeing?

Simon Campbell, managing director, Portview: “We are in a fortunate position as we have an in-house occupational health nurse who has been brilliant at sending employees daily tips and advice on how to stay motivated and healthy whilst in lock-down. On top of that we have an internal social network called The Hub, where employees have been posting regular photographs of their new exercise routines at home, batch cooking recipes, home schooling timetables and so on, which have really helped to keep the spirts up and maintain a strong team mentality. We’re in the process of populating a designated resource library on The Hub, where employees can access further tips and advice on how to stay healthy, as well as interact with more social activities like virtual ‘Coffee and Catchups’ on Microsoft Teams or take part in creative workshops such as learning calligraphy or guitar.

For me, I think the most important thing is to keep communicating with friends, family and colleagues to help alleviate any anxiety or feelings of isolation. And of course, making the most of your daily exercise!”

Sophie Stevens, founder & creative director, SGS Design: “We have a team meeting every day at 9am on Zoom and run through the day’s work challenges but also check-in on each other’s well-being.  I’ve been so impressed but not surprised by the teams ability to adjust to the new normal and make the best out of a challenging situation. The team has formed a strong professional bond over the years but also enjoy socialising together. We have continued this with Friday cocktail hour and celebrated a staff birthday in our home-made party hats via Zoom.

Professionally it’s also a great time to complete some CPD training, we have all been sharing and exploring the wealth of webinars and interactive learning experiences available via our existing and potential new suppliers.  I have joined a weekly John Cullen lighting webinar and next week we have all been invited to attend a lecture on home cinema and technology.  So plenty of distractions and learning opportunities. Personally I’m enjoying the extra time I have in the morning to fit in a run or an hour on the turbo trainer in the garage - this sets me up perfectly for a constructive day at my desk.”

Sarah Holey, marketing manager, Parkside Architectural Tiles: “I’ve got a comfortable work desk set-up near a window – as tempting as the sofa may be, the resulting backache from being hunched over my laptop is not something I want right now. I make sure I have a proper lunchbreak so that I take time away from my desk and I also find the radio is great for company. Radio X and keeping in touch with colleagues on Teams helps to keep my spirits high.”

Averil Blundell, founder, Averil Blundell Interior Design: “We moved to working from home before the government guidelines came in as I had experienced symptoms after returning from a family skiing holiday. We have been communicating as a team through WhatsApp and Zoom (as well as over email and telephone) so that we can still stay in touch and have face to face conversations. As we are only a small team I think it is easier to adjust to working more on our own than it might be for some larger practices.”

What has been or will be the biggest challenge you or your business will face throughout this uncertain time?

Simon Campbell, managing director, Portview: “The closure of our sites was a huge decision for us and an unprecedented one in our 45-year history. However, we felt that we had a moral and social duty to our employees, clients and community and so for us, it was the right decision to make, albeit the most difficult one. Luckily, our clients have been extremely understanding and, in many cases, have applauded our decision to stand by our values and do what’s right for our people. In the meantime, we continue to support and service the requirements of our clients to the best of our ability and are confident that we will return stronger and more determined than ever before. Together we will help to rebuild the industry - one brick at a time.”

Sophie Stevens, founder & creative director, SGS Design: “The unknown timescale of the shut-down period does hinder our ability to plan cash flow and project management.  We are basing our current projections on being back in the Studio with reduced/no restrictions from beginning of June but we are reviewing this regularly with Government updates. We have adapted our process quickly to ensure we can progress our projects under these circumstances and have maintained close contact with suppliers, contractors on site and our clients, but the indefinite lock-down period is my main concern. Whilst we can work on the ‘paper’ or technical designs for our client projects, there comes a point where we need to able to attend site meetings and visit suppliers to sign-off specification or the project has to be paused.”

Averil Blundell, founder, Averil Blundell Interior Design: “It is difficult to forward plan and know when things will start to happen on site which has a knock-on effect for both this year and next year with our pipeline of projects. For me personally, an additional challenge has been combining working from home whilst also overseeing learning from home for my daughter Matilda.”

What measures have been put place for employees, customers and clients in response?

Simon Campbell, managing director, Portview: “Our office-based staff are continuing to work on the administrative and operational side of the business, however with our projects suspended, our site teams have been furloughed. To compensate for this and alleviate concerns, we are topping up the 80% grant to ensure that all site employees receive their full pay. We are keeping a close eye on events as they unfold and are updating our team and clients as time goes on. One thing we know though is that we have worked too long and hard to build a fantastic team and are determined to keep it that way so we will be in a strong position to rebound when restrictions are lifted.”

Sophie Stevens, founder & creative director, SGS Design: “I think it’s all about clear and regular communication for employees, contractors, clients and suppliers. Plus flexibility and an openness to try different approaches to our normal practice, we have to adapt. We are keeping our clients informed of the work we can complete remotely and agreeing timescales for deliverables as normal.  We have Zoom presentation meetings and regular client calls to provide updates and agree next steps as we go.

We are placing any orders for client purchases with credit card deposits to protect the funds under the Consumer Protection Act 1974 and are in contact with our suppliers for production updates and reassurance. Our procurement manager keeps track on orders and funds daily and where possible has renegotiated our payment terms to make smaller, multiple deposit payments to reduce risk until product is delivered. We have also updated specifications to prioritise UK suppliers where there are issues with imports or significant fluctuations in the foreign exchange rates.”

Sarah Holey, marketing manager, Parkside Architectural Tiles: “We’re obviously doing everything we can to protect our staff and customers and have temporarily closed our showrooms. The team is working from home, so our clients can still get in touch easily and we’re working as well as we can within the limitations placed upon our supply chain. Of course, the situation changes quickly and we must be agile enough to respond, so we are remaining flexible and adaptable.”

Averil Blundell, founder, Averil Blundell Interior Design: “We work closely with Clever Association who put measures in place so that each of the team can access our files and emails remotely from home. We have been liaising with clients and other professionals we are working with on projects by phone and email.  We always try to present all our information in a clear way when communicating information to clients and to the rest of the design team involved in a project so this is more important than ever at this time.”

Have you got any plans to change the way you do business and provide flexibility during this period to keep your business running?

Simon Campbell, managing director, Portview: “As a team of over 100 employees headquartered in Belfast, we are experienced in working remotely and flexibly throughout the UK and Ireland anyway. The processes and protocols we have refined over the years has helped us to navigate the crisis and minimalize disruption to business operations as much as feasibility possible. With company laptops and phones, Microsoft Teams and cloud-based project management and CAD software; employees can access company email securely and communicate remotely with clients, our supply chain and subbies.”

Sophie Stevens, founder & creative director, SGS Design: “Everything has changed as a result of the current situation and flexibility is key to surviving the shut-down period but also bouncing back when we do return to normal. Technology has become a priority in maintaining the business.  We already used Dropbox for all file sharing and in the run-up to the shut-down we ensured all hand-written notes and sketches had been scanned and saved for reference along with photographs of all our live project sample trays.  Zoom was a new world for us all but again we trialled it before the shut-down was activated and knew we had all the technology we needed installed and operational before we had to use it.  I think this was essential to easing us into this new way of working.”

Sarah Holey, marketing manager, Parkside Architectural Tiles: “We’re collaborating much more online with our clients and have increased the social media activity for sales teams. While many designers are working from home, they are still busy on future projects, so we want to make sure we’re there to be involved, support and inspire them. We have sample boxes that were originally produced for office sample libraries, but we’re happy to send these out to home addresses. They are compact, so won’t take up too much space, and can hold ten 10cm x 10cm tile samples.”

Averil Blundell, founder, Averil Blundell Interior Design: “For now we are continuing to work as closely to our normal routine as possible whilst each working from home as this is the most appropriate course of action for our current projects.”

Have you been inspired to help support communities around you?

Simon Campbell, managing director, Portview: “Yes, what really struck us was the critical shortage of PPE equipment facing the frontline services, particularly those caring for the most vulnerable in the community. We were able to help as we had surplus FFP3 dust masks and decided to give 1,800 of them to the Northern Ireland Hospice, whom we had recently donated £43,000 to in memory of a colleague. It was the very least we could do to help and a humbling experience.”

Sophie Stevens, founder & creative director, SGS Design: “A majority of our work is local to us and we have close ties with our local suppliers and trades.  Where we are able to maintain these relationships and support local business activity we are continuing to promote these independent suppliers.”

Sarah Holey, marketing manager, Parkside Architectural Tiles: “I’m already involved with one of my local foodbanks, so continue to help where I can. This has been tricky with the panic buying going on and shortages of essentials like pasta and tinned goods. Hopefully, we’ve seen the end of the panic buying and it will be easier to help those that need support at this stressful time.”

Averil Blundell, founder, Averil Blundell Interior Design: “As I have been self-isolating due to having symptoms, our main way of supporting the local community at this time has been by staying at home to reduce the transmission of the virus.”

Seeking Financial Support

While our main concerns are health-related, financial wellbeing is also a crucial consideration. Whether you are an employee or an employer, a business owner or self-employed, we advise everyone to check the Government website regularly for all official guidance and updates on available opportunities for government assistance and financial support options. Through the Business Support scheme, the Government is helping businesses and their employees through a package of measures during this period of disruption.

Click here for further guidance

Leverage the Digital Environment to Serve Customers

Use your online channels of communication to keep clients informed

With the situation developing rapidly, it’s important to keep your customers and clients up to date. Actively share any new or key information about how your business or operations have been effected through email, your website and social media pages to ensure clients are in the know about any measures you’ve implemented which may impact them; whether you need to notify them of premises closures, new procedures for handling customer queries or expected delays in product deliveries and logistics. You can also 'pin’ important posts to the top of your Facebook page so they appear first whilst you continue communications so this information is not lost in your feed when clients come looking for answers. Staying connected with your customers in real time through Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp for business will also be a valuable tool for keeping your audience informed. Facebook for Business are offering a host specific advice, toolkits and courses to help you navigate your social media platforms and communications throughout this challenging time.

Shift your services online where possible!

With enforcement to restrict movement and new social distancing measures in place, meeting in person is simply not an option. So whether you provide design consultations online, host a virtual showroom tour or live stream to your audience, you need to get creative with the internet for conducting your business services and operations where possible.

For in-progress technical design work and presentations, integrated cloud-based technology workflows allow you to store project data and share visualisations with clients (and colleagues) throughout the design process from start to finish - wherever in the world they are. Vectorworks design software also introduced an immersive panorama feature for viewing interiors. Through a shareable web link with a file size compatible with social media, you can invite the client to experience the rendering with you in an interactive, 360-degree model.

Utilise tools to help you work from home effectively

In a time where an unprecedented number of us are confined to our homes and adjusting to a new way of work-from-home life, streamlining your efficiency will be essential. Read our helpful tips for working from home in self-isolation. Whether you need collaborative project management tools such as Trello to keep the whole team in the loop when it comes to tracking project developments, or want to set up meetings whilst remote working with applications like Microsoft Teams which includes a handy 'record' feature so those who cannot join can watch later or search the automatically generated transcript for important information; there are plenty of tools to help. Video conferencing tools in particular have become increasingly popular as an essential means for helping us stay connected, so if you haven’t already got to grips with the technology, platforms like Zoom offer online tutorials to help you get going! For further advice on communicating with remote teams during coronavirus, why not tune in for live webinar training or check out LinkedIn Learning for courses on remote working.

Staying inspired, whilst staying at home

A key issue we are sure many designers are facing during this time is the ability to stay inspired. With travel being one of the most quoted means for our Accredited Interior Designers when it comes to getting inspiration, it's important to find new ways to seek that all important inspo whilst 'travelling' consists of walking between rooms, or taking your one-day permitted exercise outside.