June 1, 2020

One of the biggest problems COVID-19 created for designers was taking away the ability to meet a client and see their space in person. The power of good W-Fi and technology like Zoom and Facetime digital tools are helping alleviate this issue, but meanwhile designers are still working out how to continue their job from a distance. That’s where these apps and services come into play.

Visiting Your Project Virtually

The situation is making it more difficult for designers to oversee work and check on their projects. Fortunately, there are ways to view your project live and virtually – without bothering someone on site to Facetime with you.

StructureSite uses 360-degree cameras and your plans to allow you to virtually “walk” your site. The advanced computer vision will automatically track your path and allow you to drop pins on the overall plan to see a certain position on the plan. There is also an X-ray mode for the digital tool so you can know where the backing, electrical and more are located.

Not sure you trust your client to take accurate measurements by hand? The Photo Ruler app is designed to accurately tape measure the size of any object by either taking a picture of it and measuring it on the screen.

HoloBuilder organizes its 360-degree progress photos by location and time, while also allowing you to share images and information with clients and contractors. You can also download and create documents of the records.

Picking Products at a Distance

Instead of visiting a showroom, a client can use apps to digitally bring a product into their space at home. From there, they can also customize it based on color, size, detailing and more and send their final product choices to their designer to discuss.

Verona Appliance’s new digital Designer Range Builder Tool gives users the option to preview any combination of fuel type, knob color and base color for their own personalized appliance. The app includes six standard base colors, three knobs colors, two different fuel types and dual fuel and induction.

Graham & Brown’s new wallpaper and paint decorating app helps clients visualize paint and wallpaper options from the comfort of their couch.

The latest feature of the Sherwin-Williams’ ColorSnap Visualizer app is Instant Paint. This feature provides a fast, seamless way to visualize any of the company’s 1,500 colors on walls – in real time. The app allows users to easily create custom palettes, save colors, try different color options and share results in a variety of ways.

Staying Connected to Trends and Each Other

Without trade shows right now, design professionals are struggling to stay connected and access the resources they need. Social media might help, but show organizers and brands are teaming up to still bring events to life online through digital tools.

With manufacturers and showrooms being challenged during COVID-19, Pulled has developed profiles that allow virtual showrooms to be created. Photos, stories and descriptions can be uploaded, and designers, clients and others can review details with ease.

Source has compiled an online materials library with product information from big and small manufacturers from more than 450 brands. Source is also launching national initiatives to bring the design community closer, including free access to their consulting services, their digital library and their digital teamwork tools.

The K+B Industry Group on Facebook is an active group of industry professionals – nationally and internationally – to connect, network, share information and ask questions. Architects, manufacturers, showroom staff, trade associations and trade shows are also welcome to join in on the chat.

The NKBA is hosting a weekly webinar on Thursdays at 2 p.m. to update the industry on the latest news, trends and any relevant tips the community could benefit from. This week’s seminar is on “Measuring the Impact: How Will Home Design Change?” and can be registered at here.

KBTribeChat – an ongoing Twitter chat that takes place on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. EST – gives an hour for professionals to discuss a certain topic and share images and information, as well as network.