Fall Market is right around the corner, and to supplement our Designer’s Guide to High Point Market, in which we’ve highlighted can’t-miss products and collaborations, this week we asked six Market veterans—designers Stacy Becker, Quintece Hill-Mattauszek, MaryBeth Long, Barrett Oswald, DuVäl Reynolds and Sheryl T. McLean—for their best advice on how to navigate the upcoming biannual event.
Make a List, Check It Twice
“High Point can be immediately overwhelming, but reviewing the list of showrooms and highlighting both your current favorites and your aspirational [vendors] is helpful. We had been working with medium-sized furnishings budgets for quite some time, but it was when I visited the Alfonso Marina showroom (on my aspirational list) that I became enamored with the product line and [entranced] by its beauty. If I could become captivated by the craft and proportion of an inlaid chest, then I knew I could begin to sell that to our clients. High Point is equal parts community and rediscovery, being with like-minded people and finding a sense of surprise and delight that we feel as designers. Feeling delighted in a community of people while being surrounded by lovely products is quite literally a high point for me.” —Stacy Becker, White Label Interiors, Seattle
Make Your Rounds
“If you’re a first-timer, do a little homework. Look at your business and think about the things you’re lacking. Maybe you need to learn more about upholstery, or maybe you need to learn more about the business aspects and attend the seminars. Decide what would be beneficial to your business. When you register, you’ll receive the Market catalog. You don’t know what you don’t know, so think about your projects and then challenge yourself to find a new style or product, and start making your list. Don’t forget the vendors that you actually do business with! You want to make sure that you visit them too because you get to see their full line of products and it strengthens your relationships with them, which is important. After you’ve chosen the vendors, map out your days. Don’t go with unplanned days. For example, there might be two important vendors that you want to see in the Hamilton [Wrenn] area. Who else is there that’s worth seeing? There are so many different neighborhoods, and you want to contain yourself so you’re not hopping around. It saves you a lot of time. Lastly, don’t be shy [about] talking to people! If it’s your first time, tell them. Everybody is like a fountain of information and very willing to give you all the stuff they know. When [it comes to] happy hours or the events, no matter how much your feet hurt and how tired you are, go for at least a half an hour and make sure you connect with somebody so you can get a new perspective on things. That’s how you build relationships and grow.” —Sheryl T. McLean, McLean & Tircuit, Laurel, Maryland
Tiny but Mighty
“Don’t overlook the smaller vendors! Some of our favorite discoveries at Market come from lesser-known merchants that truly specialize in their craft. Their unique product lines reflect a dedication to quality and artistry that often sets them apart. We’re also excited to see a broader range of design aesthetics this year: It’s refreshing to see that many of the new fall collections are moving away from solely following current trends and instead embracing a diversity of styles.” —Barrett Oswald and MaryBeth Long, Barrett Oswald Designs, New York
Fill Up Your Calendar
“The first tip is to have a clear plan for how you’ll organize your days. Without one, you may end up spending valuable time traveling between showrooms—time that could be better used exploring the latest products and innovations of the season. You also want to prioritize networking and meeting other designers. I can’t stress enough how impactful socializing has been for our business. We continually form new connections that often develop into meaningful opportunities beyond just a quick chat. Lastly, come prepared to work. Taking the time to evaluate and analyze furniture that aligns with your brand is crucial. Selling products to clients without them seeing them firsthand is a key strategy to staying profitable in this industry.” —DuVäl Reynolds, DuVäl Design, Fairfax, Virginia
Stay On Track
“Always go to High Point with a clear agenda. The sheer size of the Market can be overwhelming, even for the most seasoned designers. As a creative, it’s easy to get distracted by all the new and shiny things, so stay focused on your goals and priorities to make the most out of your visit. By sticking to your agenda, you can navigate through the vast Market more efficiently and effectively. If something catches your eye but is not on your agenda, snap a photo of a vendor item or rep badge and research it later. Whether your goal is to find new vendors, source specific items for clients, network or educate yourself—remember, High Point comes twice a year, so pace yourself and avoid trying to cram everything in at once. Prioritize your tasks and energy wisely to avoid fizzling out.” —Quintece Hill-Mattauszek, Studio Q Designs, Alexandria, Virginia
