My Experience at High Point Market: A Game Changer for Interior Design

As an interior design assistant, my recent trip to High Point Market in North Carolina was an incredibly valuable experience. As the world’s largest furniture trade show, High Point gave me the chance to dive deeper into the latest trends, discover exciting new products, and learn directly from top vendors. Meeting with so many industry professionals helped me build connections and foster relationships with my design clients.

The Power of In-Person Interaction

While working virtually with interior designers has its perks, nothing compares to the energy of meeting in person. Walking through bustling showrooms, I experienced firsthand the quality of the furniture, explored the latest trends, and found pieces that truly align with our clients’ styles. Discussing fabric and finish choices over video calls is one thing; being able to touch and feel the materials yourself is entirely different. This tactile experience is crucial for assessing comfort—like doing sit tests on chairs and sofas—which allows me to provide detailed, informed feedback to our clients.

Meeting my MCVA design clients face-to-face was a breath of fresh air. The connections we built during our time together made all the planning and coordination worthwhile. These interactions not only enhance our working relationships but also enrich the collaborative spirit that is essential to interior design.

Strengthening Vendor Relationships

During the Market, we had the invaluable opportunity to meet with our representatives. Building relationships with vendors is essential for any design assistant, as it allows us to ask specific questions about pricing, lead times, and product availability directly. Establishing these connections facilitates smoother transactions and enables us to offer clients the best possible options and timelines.

A Learning Experience Like No Other

Attending High Point Market was a significant learning experience. The showrooms were filled with inspiring designs and innovative products, and I was fortunate enough to join guided tours and attend speaking events. These sessions were rich with insights that will undoubtedly help me guide my interior design clients more effectively. Understanding industry trends, new materials, and design philosophies first hand allows me to bring valuable knowledge back to the team.

Conclusion: A New Perspective on Design

Overall, my experience at High Point Market has provided me with a fresh perspective on the interior design industry. It reinforced the importance of face-to-face interactions and solidified the relationships that are vital to our work. With newfound insights and a deeper understanding of products and processes, I feel better equipped to support my clients and contribute to our design projects.

High Point Market isn’t just a trade show; it’s a hub of inspiration, connection, and learning. I left feeling invigorated and excited to bring that energy back to my work. I can’t wait for the next opportunity to immerse myself in this vibrant world of design!

By Sandy, one of the MCVA Virtual Design Assistants.