Birmingham, Alabama–based designer Douglas C. Davis has adjusted his approach to shopping as his eponymous firm keeps adapting and growing. These days, sourcing challenges have shifted his vendor loyalty and helped him clarify what he’s looking for from his partners.

Douglas C. DavisCourtesy of designer

When you first launched your firm, you resisted opening trade accounts. What was that about?
I thought we would just go find unique things for every project. I didn’t want to be pigeonholed into always selling X lighting brand or Y upholstery brand. But over time, we’ve changed that strategy—partially for pricing, but for quality too. If you find stuff that’s consistently good and in stock and then fill in with unique pieces, that solves some easy problems.