Part 2 of our review of the inaugural HiConnect Trade Show in Nashville, TN brings us to an interview of the other design firm, Design Atelier, responsible for the wonderful Vignettes (mock rooms). The vignettes were a wonderful vehicle for Safemark to showcase our Hotel Room Safes.
From left to right: Rebecca Brownlee and Anne Jones of Design Atelier
Q: Tell us how you came to hear about the show?
AJ: We were at BITEC West which is an event for vendors and owners when I was teased with the idea of being a part of something bigger than this.
Over the course of that event, slowly the idea of what this show was to be came out. Each interior design firm would have an opportunity to create their own vignette – their own room – which could be luxury, mid-tier or budget, even bathrooms as well.
Q: When did this happen?
AJ: This happened in October last year. I wanted to take part as it’s a great chance to display our work and get our name out there as often times it is not easy to get in front of owners, developers and brands who don’t know us.
Q: So talk us through the process.
AJ: We listed three vendors per item that we would like to work with as first, second and third choice. The vendors did the same and the organizers matched us together. We were lucky enough to be matched with great vendors for everything including our Safemark guest room safe! That was great.
Then we did a design that focused on everything that needed to go into a guestroom that wasn’t just pretty but functional.
Q: Timing must have been a challenge?
AJ: Yes, we had three weeks to come up with a design. Then we got our vendors. We really needed to focus on items that were in stock given the timeline. The biggest challenge was our casegoods had to be made in China, especially with Chinese New Year being early this year. We had great casegoods vendors who really pulled out all the stops.
Q: There were some logistics issues when we got here. How do you think these were handled?
AJ: It all came together. We came to the show a day early to set up our booth and we were a little bit skeptical if it would happen and all get built on time. The camaraderie between the contractors, the designers, and the vendors was great with everybody working as a team to get the job done.
Q: There have been a lot of buyers come through. How has the response been to your vignette/concept?
AJ: The response has been enormous. We’ve had so many owners, vendors and hospitality brands come through and give us great compliments – and everybody is very interested. They are interested in the products, interested in the design and asking a lot of great questions. Everything has been very complimentary and exciting.
Q: You’re sounding very positive. If they do it again will you be a part of it?
AJ: I will definitely, 100% be a part of it. It has been wonderful on all levels. It’s been great.
