The Design Pop

Imagine a Place
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I'm your host, Alexandra Tseffos, and welcome to The Design Pop, a podcast for dealer designers! The world of the dealer designer is changing and now more than ever, this community plays an ever-increasing role in the success of projects. These designers possess a wealth of knowledge and passion for furniture and design, but it seems this group is often left unrecognized. As the industry evolves, there is a growing recognition of the value of this role, leading to more opportunities for empowerment. Join me as I share my experiences as a designer, trainer, and consultant to help this community build more influence and recognition - this is the first step in building a community of dealers designers that are focused on learning, improving their craft, and growing their careers. Whether you're a furniture enthusiast or just curious about growing and learning more to apply to your own career. I'm glad you're here. Join me as we harness the power of the design community to explore these important topics in the world of design. The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production.

  1. 6D AGO

    Configura’s New CEO | A Conversation with Steven Jenkins

    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. Connect with Steven on LinkedIn Learn more about Configura Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn Follow The Design POP on LinkedIn Access on-demand training at The Design POP. Questions? Email info@thedesignpop.com The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    38 min

  2. FEB 27

    Strategist by Day, Artist by Night | Designer Duality with Rebekah Jacobi of Pivot Interiors

    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. Join a Design POP Circle Connect with Rebekah on LinkedIn Check out Rebekah's art on Lavender Canyon Co Learn more about Pivot Interiors Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn Follow The Design Pop on LinkedIn Access on-demand training at The Design POP. Questions? Email info@thedesignpop.com The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    45 min

  3. JAN 29

    A Career Shaped by Strengths, Not Job Titles | Chad Bewley of Freeform

    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. Connect with Chad on LinkedIn Learn more about Freeform Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn Follow The Design Pop on LinkedIn Access on-demand training at The Design POP. Questions? Email info@thedesignpop.com The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    45 min

  4. 2025-12-18

    The Joy of Saying "Done"

    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 Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn Follow The Design Pop on LinkedIn Access on-demand training at The Design POP. Questions? Email info@thedesignpop.com The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    8 min

  5. 2025-11-21

    The Renegade Mindset with Amy Jo Martin, Live at Configura's Experience 2025

    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 Follow Amy Jo Martin on LinkedIn Listen to Amy Jo's podcast "Why Not Now?" Buy Amy Jo Martin's book: "Renegades Write The Rules" Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn Follow The Design Pop on LinkedIn Join a Peer Circle Access on-demand training at The Design POP. Questions? Email info@thedesignpop.com The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    24 min

  6. 2025-10-08

    Live at Configura's Experience with Aaron Okkema and Rob Detrick

    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 Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn Follow The Design Pop on LinkedIn Access on-demand training at The Design POP. Questions? Email info@thedesignpop.com The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    35 min

  7. 2025-10-07

    The Confidence Report: How Designers Rate Themselves

    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. Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn Follow The Design Pop on LinkedIn Access on-demand training at The Design POP. Questions? Email info@thedesignpop.com The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    47 min

  8. 2025-09-24

    What happens when you bet on yourself? | Christine Crawford of Alfred Williams & Company

    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 Connect with Christine Crawford on LinkedIn Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn Check out Configura's Experience Conference in Orlando Explore more from Imagine a Place and OFS Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    47 min
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About

I'm your host, Alexandra Tseffos, and welcome to The Design Pop, a podcast for dealer designers! The world of the dealer designer is changing and now more than ever, this community plays an ever-increasing role in the success of projects. These designers possess a wealth of knowledge and passion for furniture and design, but it seems this group is often left unrecognized. As the industry evolves, there is a growing recognition of the value of this role, leading to more opportunities for empowerment. Join me as I share my experiences as a designer, trainer, and consultant to help this community build more influence and recognition - this is the first step in building a community of dealers designers that are focused on learning, improving their craft, and growing their careers. Whether you're a furniture enthusiast or just curious about growing and learning more to apply to your own career. I'm glad you're here. Join me as we harness the power of the design community to explore these important topics in the world of design. The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production.

Information

  • Channel
    Imagine a Place
  • Creator
    Imagine a Place Productions
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Imagine a Place
  • Show Website
    The Design Pop

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