The Designers Show by Chief Experts

Chief Experts Dan Baumann, John Schrader, Rene Rabbitt, Robin Fisher & Kevin Transue
  • 5.0 (2)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Hey, everyone! Welcome to the Designers Show by Chief Experts, where design isn't just an art — it's a profit center! Join us each week as Dan Baumann, John Schrader, Rene Rabbitt, Robin Rigby Fisher and Kevin Transue share their experiences and interview top industry experts. You'll get actionable tips and strategies for the real world of design in construction to help you take your design and contracting business to the next level.

  1. Chief Architect Productivity Hacks: Spin the Wheel - Designers Show 167

    6D AGO

    Chief Architect Productivity Hacks: Spin the Wheel - Designers Show 167

    Welcome to The "Designers Show" by Chief Experts, where design isn't just an art—it's a profit center! Ever feel like Chief Architect is powerful… but somehow still slowing you down? In this episode of The Designers Show, we spin the wheel and land on real-world productivity hacks that help residential designers work faster, click less, and stop fighting their software. From toolbar tweaks and shortcut strategies to mindset shifts that separate power users from frustrated ones, this episode is all about removing friction from your daily workflow. No gimmicks. Just practical ideas you can apply immediately—whether you live in Chief Architect or are still finding your rhythm. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Why productivity in Chief Architect is more about removing friction than working faster How small toolbar and shortcut changes can save hours every month The hidden cost of default settings—and how to fix them once and for all Using “spin the wheel” thinking to uncover overlooked tools Mindset habits that separate efficient designers from burned-out ones 📌 Chapters with Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to the Designers Show 02:15 – Why Chief Architect feels slow (and when it isn’t) 06:40 – Toolbar customization that actually matters 12:10 – Keyboard shortcuts: where real speed gains live 18:30 – Default settings and silent productivity killers 25:05 – Spin the wheel: discovering tools you forgot existed 32:40 – Layer management without the chaos 40:15 – Productivity as a mindset, not a feature 47:20 – Small workflow changes that compound over time 53:10 – Final thoughts and next steps 📌 Resources Mentioned: Chief Architect toolbar and shortcut customization tools Layer sets and display management strategies Workflow optimization tips for residential designers Designers Show community discussions and past episodes 📌 Upcoming Events: Live Designers Show episodes and community Q&A sessions Chief Architect training and productivity workshops Upcoming design workflow deep dives 👉 Subscribe to The Designers Show to catch new episodes, workflow breakdowns, and real talk about designing smarter—not longer. ********************************************* 🖥 Dan's Website 💻 RSVP for The Designers Show 😊 Dan's Social Accounts → Facebook Page → Facebook Group → Instagram → Youtube → LinkedIn → Google Page    About the Co-Hosts: John Schrader Kevin Transue Robin Rigby Fisher Rene Rabbit

    1h 1m

  2. JAN 23

    AI in your Toolbox: Let’s Discuss What It Can Do - Designers Show #166

    Welcome to The "Designers Show" by Chief Experts, where design isn't just an art—it's a profit center! In this episode of The Designers Show, the hosts take a practical, no-hype look at artificial intelligence and what it actually means for designers today. Instead of fear-mongering or shiny-tool obsession, the conversation focuses on how AI fits into real creative workflows—where it helps, where it falls short, and why designers are still very much in the driver’s seat. 🔑 Key Takeaways: AI works best as a creative assistant, not a replacement for designers Speed and iteration are AI’s biggest strengths—not originality or judgment Designers remain responsible for strategy, taste, and final decisions Better prompts lead to better results (prompting is a design skill) AI helps overcome blank-page paralysis and speeds up early ideation Ethical questions around ownership, transparency, and data matter Designers who experiment with AI gain a competitive edge   📌 Chapters with timestamps: (Approximate timestamps for Apple Podcasts) 00:00 – Welcome and opening conversation 02:10 – Why AI is such a hot topic for designers right now 05:45 – What AI does well—and where it struggles 10:30 – AI as an assistant, not a replacement 15:40 – Real-world ways designers are using AI today 22:10 – Prompting tips and mindset shifts 28:30 – Risks, limitations, and ethical considerations 34:15 – How designers can start experimenting with AI 40:20 – Final thoughts on the future of AI and design   📌 Resources Mentioned: ChatGPT and other generative AI tools AI-assisted design and content workflows Prompt-writing techniques for better outputs Ongoing discussions within the design community   ********************************************* 🖥 Dan's Website 💻 RSVP for The Designers Show 😊 Dan's Social Accounts → Facebook Page → Facebook Group → Instagram → Youtube → LinkedIn → Google Page    About the Co-Hosts: John Schrader Kevin Transue Robin Rigby Fisher Rene Rabbit

    59 min

  3. JAN 9

    Inside the New NKBA Guidelines Part 4 - Designers Show #165

    Welcome to The "Designers Show" by Chief Experts, where design isn't just an art—it's a profit center! In Part 4 of our ongoing series on the updated NKBA Guidelines, we move past theory and into real-world design decisions. This episode dives into the practical side of kitchen and bath design—where safety, accessibility, and functionality meet client expectations and on-site realities. If you’ve ever felt the tension between doing what looks good and doing what’s right, this conversation will hit home. What We Cover in This Episode: Why the updated NKBA Guidelines matter more now than ever The design mistakes that continue to show up on job sites Safety considerations designers often overlook (sometimes unintentionally) Clearance, spacing, and workflow decisions that impact daily usability Balancing accessibility with aesthetics—without compromising either How to navigate client requests that conflict with professional standards Designing spaces that work in real life, not just in photos This episode is a must-listen for kitchen and bath professionals who want to elevate their work, protect their clients, and design with confidence. Resources Mentioned: National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) Kitchen & Bath Design Guidelines Industry best practices and real-world project insights discussed during the show 🎧 Listen in and stay tuned for upcoming episodes as we continue breaking down the NKBA Guidelines—one practical conversation at a time.     ********************************************* 🖥 Dan's Website 💻 RSVP for The Designers Show 😊 Dan's Social Accounts → Facebook Page → Facebook Group → Instagram → Youtube → LinkedIn → Google Page    About the Co-Hosts: John Schrader Kevin Transue Robin Rigby Fisher Rene Rabbit

    1h 1m
  4. Impromptu New Years Show LIVE with Rene Rabbitt - Designers Show

    JAN 2

    Impromptu New Years Show LIVE with Rene Rabbitt - Designers Show

    Welcome to The "Designers Show" by Chief Experts, where design isn't just an art—it's a profit center! No script. No polish. Just real design talk. In this impromptu New Year’s episode of the Designers Show, Rene Rabbitt goes live to share hard-earned insights, workflow habits, and practical lessons from inside Chief Architect. Think late-night studio vibes, live problem-solving, and tips you won’t find in a manual.   🔑 Key Takeaways: Why understanding defaults in Chief saves more time than overriding them How better-built symbols prevent downstream chaos When parametric controls help—and when they quietly wreck your model Where not to overmodel (and why it matters) How watching Chief “misbehave” can actually teach you the software   📌 Chapters with timestamps: 00:00 – Going live: no agenda, just design 04:30 – Understanding Chief’s defaults (and why they exist) 12:10 – Symbol setup mistakes that come back to bite you 22:45 – Parametric controls: power vs. problems 34:20 – What not to model (client value vs. time sink) 45:10 – Live troubleshooting and real-world fixes 58:40 – Workflow thinking over tool chasing 1:06:00 – Wrap-up and final thoughts   📌 Resources Mentioned: Chief Architect defaults & preferences Custom symbol creation best practices Cabinet and dimension behavior tips Live Q&A insights from audience questions   📌 Upcoming Events: More Designers Show livestreams coming soon—unscripted sessions focused on real workflows, real problems, and real solutions. Stay tuned for dates and topics.     ********************************************* 🖥 Dan's Website 💻 RSVP for The Designers Show 😊 Dan's Social Accounts → Facebook Page → Facebook Group → Instagram → Youtube → LinkedIn → Google Page    About the Co-Hosts: John Schrader Kevin Transue Robin Rigby Fisher Rene Rabbitt

    1h 9m

  5. 12/19/2025

    Holiday Q&A with Chief Experts - Designers Show #164

    Welcome to The "Designers Show" by Chief Experts, where design isn't just an art—it's a profit center! As the year winds down, the hosts of The Designers Show step back from tactics and trends to focus on something more lasting: the lessons that shape long, sustainable design careers. This holiday Q&A episode distills years of experience into honest reflections on mindset, burnout, client relationships, boundaries, and the realities of creative work. No scripts. No formulas. Just the truths that surface when designers stop performing and start being real. This conversation isn’t about what’s new—it’s about what actually lasts. In This Episode, You’ll Hear About: Why mindset matters more than tools over the course of a design career How productivity culture quietly fuels burnout Recognizing early warning signs before burnout hits hard Client relationships, boundaries, and knowing when it’s time to move on Why design careers are rarely linear—and why that’s normal The role of enjoyment, humor, and perspective in long-term creative work Letting go as a form of growth Learning to sit with uncertainty instead of rushing clarity This episode is for designers who’ve been doing the work long enough to know the surface-level advice isn’t enough—and for those who want to avoid learning every lesson the hard way. 🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear the complete conversation and deeper context behind these lessons.   ********************************************* 🖥 Dan's Website 💻 RSVP for The Designers Show 😊 Dan's Social Accounts → Facebook Page → Facebook Group → Instagram → Youtube → LinkedIn → Google Page    About the Co-Hosts: John Schrader Kevin Transue Robin Rigby Fisher Rene Rabbit

    1h 2m
  6. Inside the New NKBA Guidelines with Robin Rigby Fisher, CMKBD, CAPS, CLIPPS - Designers Show #163

    12/05/2025

    Inside the New NKBA Guidelines with Robin Rigby Fisher, CMKBD, CAPS, CLIPPS - Designers Show #163

    Welcome to The "Designers Show" by Chief Experts, where design isn't just an art—it's a profit center!This episode dives into the newly updated NKBA Kitchen & Bath Guidelines with the always-insightful Robin Rigby Fisher, CMKBD, CAPS, CLIPP. We talk ergonomics, accessibility, smarter appliance planning, and why these new standards matter more than ever for modern living. Expect real talk, design wisdom, and a few laugh-inducing truths about how people actually use their kitchens. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Why NKBA updated the guidelines and what sparked the changes The shift from the “work triangle” to task-based kitchen zones New accessibility priorities designers must know Appliance sizing, clearances, and the rise of giant refrigerators Smarter storage planning based on how people shop and cook today How designers can use guidelines to educate (and gently redirect) clients The importance of ergonomics and real-world movement patterns Why universal design is no longer optional 📌 Chapters with Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Kickoff 01:12 – Why the NKBA Updated the Guidelines 05:40 – How People Really Use Their Kitchens Today 09:18 – The Evolution of the Work Triangle 13:55 – Storage Standards and the “Costco Effect” 18:27 – Appliance Sizing, Clearances & Ventilation 24:10 – Accessibility and Aging-in-Place Updates 31:03 – Design Mistakes That Create Daily Frustrations 36:40 – Using NKBA Guidelines to Educate Clients 41:22 – Why Universal Design = Good Design 45:56 – Final Thoughts from Robin 📌 Resources Mentioned: National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) Guidelines NKBA Accessibility & Universal Design Recommendations Robin Rigby Fisher, CMKBD, CAPS, CLIPP Designers Show archives & training resources 📌 Upcoming Events: Live Designer Q&A Sessions (dates TBD) NKBA Guideline Training Workshops Upcoming Designers Show episodes featuring industry leaders - RSVP for The Designers Show ********************************************* 🖥 Dan's Website 💻 RSVP for The Designers Show 😊 Dan's Social Accounts → Facebook Page → Facebook Group → Instagram → Youtube → LinkedIn → Google Page    About the Co-Hosts: John Schrader Kevin Transue Robin Rigby Fisher Rene Rabbit

    1h 6m
  7. State of the Industry: What Designers & Remodelers Are Saying as 2025 Ends - Designers Show 162

    11/21/2025

    State of the Industry: What Designers & Remodelers Are Saying as 2025 Ends - Designers Show 162

    Welcome to The "Designers Show" by Chief Experts, where design isn't just an art—it's a profit center! In this episode of the Designers Show, Dan, Renee, John, and guests unpack real survey data from 50+ design professionals to explore the state of the residential design and remodeling industry heading into 2026. From business confidence and economic concerns to pricing strategies, contracts, client behavior, and marketing best practices, this open-format conversation delivers actionable insights, real-world anecdotes, and a few laughs along the way. Whether you're a solo designer, architect, or part of a design-build team, this episode offers clarity on what's working now and what to focus on next. 🔑 Key Topics Covered: Industry survey results: what your peers are seeing Clients, confidence, and economic pressure Charging for design: hourly, flat-rate, or retainer? Smart marketing without a big budget Contract must-haves and legal protections Workflow systems and tech tools Regional permitting differences Community, coaching, and continuous learning 📌 Resources Mentioned: Chief Experts Pro Academy  RabbiteDesign.net  Tools: Cursor AI, FreshBooks, QuickBooks 📅 Upcoming Events: January 2026: Live Chief Architect workshop in Minnesota Pro Academy: 8 live Q&A sessions monthly + full library access   ********************************************* 🖥 Dan's Website 💻 RSVP for The Designers Show 😊 Dan's Social Accounts → Facebook Page → Facebook Group → Instagram → Youtube → LinkedIn → Google Page    About the Co-Hosts: John Schrader Kevin Transue Robin Rigby Fisher Rene Rabbitt

    1h 2m
  8. Inside the New NKBA Guidelines with Robin Fisher - Designers Show #161

    11/07/2025

    Inside the New NKBA Guidelines with Robin Fisher - Designers Show #161

    Welcome to The "Designers Show" by Chief Experts, where design isn't just an art—it's a profit center! In this episode of The Designers Show, we’re joined by NKBA veteran and design powerhouse Robin Fisher for an in-depth (and very human) walkthrough of the brand-new 5th Edition NKBA Kitchen & Bath Design Guidelines. Robin spills the behind-the-scenes details on what’s changed, what’s reorganized, and why this new edition finally reflects how designers actually work. From real-life accessibility solutions and updated clearance dimensions to kitchen island power struggles and—yes—why no one should be table dancing on a 15" quartz overhang, this conversation covers it all. We’ll also get into: Why the 5th edition is easier to use than ever Hot takes on lighting placement, appliance zones, and ADA appliances When to follow the rules—and when to trust your gut The dreaded island outlet code (and how designers are skirting it) If you design kitchens, baths, or the 12 other “not-my-job-but-now-it-is” spaces in a home, this episode is packed with practical tips, honest stories, and the kind of code talk that won’t put you to sleep. 🛠️ Bonus: Stick around for resources you can start using today—including free code lookups and downloadable ergonomic guides. 🎧 Listen now and find out why the new NKBA guidelines are more than just a redesign—they're a redesigners’ secret weapon.     ********************************************* 🖥 Dan's Website 💻 RSVP for The Designers Show 😊 Dan's Social Accounts → Facebook Page → Facebook Group → Instagram → Youtube → LinkedIn → Google Page    About the Co-Hosts: John Schrader Kevin Transue Robin Rigby Fisher Rene Rabbitt

    1 hr
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Hey, everyone! Welcome to the Designers Show by Chief Experts, where design isn't just an art — it's a profit center! Join us each week as Dan Baumann, John Schrader, Rene Rabbitt, Robin Rigby Fisher and Kevin Transue share their experiences and interview top industry experts. You'll get actionable tips and strategies for the real world of design in construction to help you take your design and contracting business to the next level.

Information

  • Creator
    Chief Experts Dan Baumann, John Schrader, Rene Rabbitt, Robin Fisher & Kevin Transue
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 2023
  • Show Website
    The Designers Show by Chief Experts