IDS Podcast

IDS Long Island
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Welcome to the IDS Long Island Design Podcast, your go-to source for insights and inspiration in the local interior design community. Each week, we interview industry leaders, designers, and experts relevant to Long Island's vibrant design scene, sharing their knowledge, experiences, and tips to help you elevate your craft. Tune in to stay connected, informed, and inspired!

  1. 1d ago

    IDS Podcast S3E3: Designing Hope at the Stony Brook Ronald McDonald House

    On this episode of the IDS Podcast, I sat down with Jennifer Nicholson, Chief Operating Officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro, to talk about a project that means a lot to our IDS Long Island chapter — the new Stony Brook Ronald McDonald House, our current Pay It Forward partner. Jennifer's been with the organization for eighteen years, and she took me all the way back to the beginning: how a Philadelphia Eagles player named Fred Hill started the very first House 51 years ago after his daughter's leukemia treatment, and what it really means to keep families close when their child is in the hospital. We talked about everything the House provides beyond a place to sleep — home-cooked meals from more than 12,000 volunteers a year, transportation, a food pantry, pet therapy, and more. Then we got into the design side. Jennifer shared how Project Design started at New Hyde Park back in 2013 with one phone call to Kravet, and grew into 70-plus designers reimagining dozens of spaces. The new 60,000-square-foot Stony Brook House will have 30 family guest suites, a wellness center, and IDS Long Island designing the second- and third-floor corridors. Construction's underway, with an opening planned for fall 2027. Want to get involved? Head to www.ronaldmcdonaldhouseli.org and look for the Stony Brook Project Design tab — there's a way in for everyone, designers included. You can learn more about our host Brian Berkowitz: Brian's Website: https://www.brianberkowitzphoto.com Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianberko

  2. Aug 11

    IDS Podcast S3E1: Inside a Trade-Only Showroom & Building a Design School with Sal Campitiello

    This week Brian sits down with Sal Campitiello of East End Interiors, a name just about every designer on Long Island already knows. Sal is past president of the IDS Long Island chapter and has also served on the national board, so he's watched this community grow from the ground up. In this one, Brian and Sal get into the story behind East End — a family business now 36 years in, started by Sal's mom after she trained at Parsons — and how it made the bold move from retail design to a trade-only showroom built entirely around designer success. Sal breaks down what a to-the-trade showroom actually does for designers: multi-line sourcing under one roof, back-end order support, in-house receiving and delivery, and getting creative when a claim goes sideways. He also shares where newer designers tend to get tripped up, and why the busiest designers are usually the ones who lean on a sourcing partner so they can stay focused on their business. The back half is all about Metropolitan Design School, East End's new venture born after Long Island's longtime design school closed in 2022. Sal walks through the four-year road to earning their New York State license, the hands-on in-person curriculum, and why a business class matters so much for creatives — something Brian learned the hard way himself. Learn more: East End Interiors — EastEndInteriors.com Metropolitan Design School — MetDesignSchool.com Follow both on Instagram, and get on East End's email list for events and open houses. You can learn more about our host Brian Berkowitz: Brian's Website: https://www.brianberkowitzphoto.com Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianberko

  3. Aug 4

    IDS Podcast S3E1: Inside IDS National with Joe Calise

    Joe Calise is back on the IDS Podcast — and this time we're not talking smart home systems. Joe first joined me in Season 1 to talk about Sights and Sounds, his home integration business, but this episode is all about IDS itself: how the Long Island chapter became what it is today, and what's happening at the national level where Joe now sits on the board. Joe walks through his own path with IDS, from getting pulled into his first meeting by Nancy Ganser Kalfer (now Nancy Quinn), to becoming Long Island treasurer, then president, and eventually joining the national executive committee. We get into how the organization has grown over the years, why it feels more like family than a trade group, and what running a chapter taught him about how much designers really do beyond decorating. We also dig into what national is focused on this year — membership growth, the chapter task force, the IDS List that connects homeowners to designer members, and the new member database that makes it easier to find vendors and designers across the country. And of course, we talk about the conference happening this September in Las Vegas at the Bellagio, the Doty Awards gala, and the construction management education that's become a member favorite. Want to reach Joe about Sights and Sounds? Find him at hometheater.biz or on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. For anything IDS, head to interiordesignsociety.org. You can learn more about our host Brian Berkowitz: Brian's Website: https://www.brianberkowitzphoto.com Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianberko

  4. 09/09/2025

    Jennifer McGraw on Getting Designers Published & Building Authority Through PR

    In the season two finale of the IDS Podcast, host Brian Berkowitz sits down with Jennifer McGraw, a Long Island-based publicist specializing in PR for interior designers. With a background rooted in luxury home marketing, Jennifer shares her journey into this niche and how she helps designers get featured in top publications, land product collaborations, and even secure book deals. The episode dives deep into the value of PR, exploring how being published differs from simply posting on social media—and why it holds significantly more weight in establishing industry authority. Jennifer outlines the four essential boxes designers must check for publication: standout design, professional photography, expert styling, and a compelling story. She and Brian also explore common mistakes designers make when trying to DIY their PR, emphasizing the importance of properly packaging submissions and understanding editorial timelines and exclusivity rules. They also discuss the rise of room roundups and how these online features can boost visibility and social growth. Whether you're an emerging designer or a seasoned pro, this episode offers crucial insights into the publishing process and how to leverage it to elevate your brand. You can learn more about our host Brian Berkowitz: Brian's Website:  https://www.brianberkowitzphoto.com Brian's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/brianberko

  5. 09/02/2025

    The Next Wave: Young Professionals Transforming Design

    In this episode of the IDS Podcast, host Brian Berkowitz sits down with three rising voices in the interior design industry—Joey from Sights N Sounds, Jessica from Country Carpet, and Hailey from Elements Lighting and Decor. Representing a new generation, each guest shares their journey into their respective family businesses and reflects on the unique challenges and opportunities that come with stepping into an already established brand. The conversation dives into how younger professionals are bringing fresh perspectives to tradition-rich companies, embracing new technologies like AI-powered visualization tools, circadian lighting, smart home integration, and VR-enhanced showrooms. Social media’s growing influence is also discussed, including how platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are now essential tools for branding, networking, and even client acquisition. The guests also tackle the age-related biases they sometimes face, the evolving role of trade shows, and how AI is reshaping everything from customer experience to business operations. Finally, they offer actionable advice to both young professionals entering the industry and seasoned designers looking to connect with the next generation. You can learn more about our host Brian Berkowitz: Brian's Website:  https://www.brianberkowitzphoto.com Brian's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/brianberk

  6. 08/26/2025

    AI for Interior Designers — One Year Later with Jenna Gaidusek

    In this exciting follow-up to last season’s popular episode, Brian Berkowitz reconnects with Jenna Gaidusek, founder of AI for Interior Designers, to explore just how much has changed in the world of tech and AI in the past year. With AI tools evolving at lightning speed, Jenna breaks down what’s new, what’s obsolete, and how interior designers can make smarter use of current technology without feeling overwhelmed. From the rise of photorealistic renderings and video tools to the emergence of deep research features in platforms like ChatGPT and Google Gemini, Jenna explains how these advancements are streamlining design workflows, saving time, and enhancing client presentations. She shares insights on the increasing use of AR, automation tools, and Canva’s new capabilities, as well as her thoughts on ethical AI usage, IP concerns, and the growing influence of voice agents. Whether you're tech-curious or still on the sidelines, this episode offers accessible tips to help designers integrate AI into their daily routines and marketing strategies—without needing a computer science degree. Learn more about Jenna’s work, her daily AI training program, and her upcoming in-person workshops at aiforinteriordesigners.com. You can learn more about our host Brian Berkowitz: Brian's Website: https://www.brianberkowitzphoto.com Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianberko

  7. 08/19/2025

    Inside the World of Color with Benjamin Moore’s Andrea Magno

    In this episode of the IDS Podcast, host Brian Berkowitz sits down with Andrea Magno, Director of Color Marketing & Design at Benjamin Moore, for an insightful conversation about the world of color and design. Andrea shares her journey from art history and interior design to becoming one of the leading voices in color strategy at Benjamin Moore. They explore the psychology behind color choices, how color influences mood and perception, and the importance of lighting in interior spaces. Andrea also discusses how designers can navigate client indecision by using visualization tools and understanding emotional connections to color. From nostalgic palettes to modern trends, Andrea reveals the thought process behind Benjamin Moore’s 2025 Color of the Year, “Cinnamon Slate,” and what it represents in today’s design landscape. The episode dives deep into practical tools—like peel-and-stick samples, the Benjamin Moore Color Portfolio app, and large color chips—to help designers and homeowners make informed decisions. Andrea also explains the role of Benjamin Moore reps and how designers can build meaningful collaborations to elevate their projects. Whether you're a designer, photographer, or simply a color enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into how color shapes the spaces we live and work in. You can learn more about our host Brian Berkowitz: Brian's Website: https://www.brianberkowitzphoto.com Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianberko

  8. 08/12/2025

    Designing Kitchens That Work — With Nava Slavin from The Creative Edge

    n this episode of the IDS Podcast, host Brian Berkowitz sits down with Nava Slavin from The Creative Edge in Roslyn to explore the art and science of kitchen design. With a background in architecture and decades of hands-on experience, Nava shares her journey from big city architecture firms to running her own boutique design studio. The discussion dives deep into the evolution of kitchen spaces—from compact, closed-off areas to today's open-concept lifestyle hubs. Nava unpacks how client priorities have shifted toward multifunctional spaces that encourage family interaction and social gatherings. She discusses the influence of smart technology, like connected appliances and intelligent storage solutions, and shares her favorite efficiency tips, including the power of induction cooking and steam ovens. Nava also highlights how to balance timeless aesthetics with contemporary trends, navigate storage challenges in small spaces, and avoid common design pitfalls—especially when it comes to corners and cabinetry. Whether you're a design enthusiast, a homeowner planning a remodel, or a fellow designer, this episode is packed with insight on how to create functional, beautiful, and enduring kitchen spaces. You can learn more about our host Brian Berkowitz: Brian's Website: https://www.brianberkowitzphoto.com Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianberko

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About

Welcome to the IDS Long Island Design Podcast, your go-to source for insights and inspiration in the local interior design community. Each week, we interview industry leaders, designers, and experts relevant to Long Island's vibrant design scene, sharing their knowledge, experiences, and tips to help you elevate your craft. Tune in to stay connected, informed, and inspired!

Information

  • Creator
    IDS Long Island
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 IDS Long Island
  • Show Website
    IDS Podcast