In the season two finale of the IDS Podcast, host Brian Berkowitz sits down with Jennifer McGraw, a Long Island-based publicist specializing in PR for interior designers. With a background rooted in luxury home marketing, Jennifer shares her journey into this niche and how she helps designers get featured in top publications, land product collaborations, and even secure book deals. The episode dives deep into the value of PR, exploring how being published differs from simply posting on social media—and why it holds significantly more weight in establishing industry authority.

Jennifer outlines the four essential boxes designers must check for publication: standout design, professional photography, expert styling, and a compelling story. She and Brian also explore common mistakes designers make when trying to DIY their PR, emphasizing the importance of properly packaging submissions and understanding editorial timelines and exclusivity rules. They also discuss the rise of room roundups and how these online features can boost visibility and social growth.

Whether you're an emerging designer or a seasoned pro, this episode offers crucial insights into the publishing process and how to leverage it to elevate your brand.

You can learn more about our host Brian Berkowitz:

Brian's Website: https://www.brianberkowitzphoto.com

Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianberko

In this episode of the IDS Podcast, host Brian Berkowitz sits down with three rising voices in the interior design industry—Joey from Sights N Sounds, Jessica from Country Carpet, and Hailey from Elements Lighting and Decor. Representing a new generation, each guest shares their journey into their respective family businesses and reflects on the unique challenges and opportunities that come with stepping into an already established brand.

The conversation dives into how younger professionals are bringing fresh perspectives to tradition-rich companies, embracing new technologies like AI-powered visualization tools, circadian lighting, smart home integration, and VR-enhanced showrooms. Social media’s growing influence is also discussed, including how platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are now essential tools for branding, networking, and even client acquisition.

The guests also tackle the age-related biases they sometimes face, the evolving role of trade shows, and how AI is reshaping everything from customer experience to business operations. Finally, they offer actionable advice to both young professionals entering the industry and seasoned designers looking to connect with the next generation.

You can learn more about our host Brian Berkowitz:

Brian's Website: https://www.brianberkowitzphoto.com

Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianberk

In this exciting follow-up to last season’s popular episode, Brian Berkowitz reconnects with Jenna Gaidusek, founder of AI for Interior Designers, to explore just how much has changed in the world of tech and AI in the past year. With AI tools evolving at lightning speed, Jenna breaks down what’s new, what’s obsolete, and how interior designers can make smarter use of current technology without feeling overwhelmed.

From the rise of photorealistic renderings and video tools to the emergence of deep research features in platforms like ChatGPT and Google Gemini, Jenna explains how these advancements are streamlining design workflows, saving time, and enhancing client presentations. She shares insights on the increasing use of AR, automation tools, and Canva’s new capabilities, as well as her thoughts on ethical AI usage, IP concerns, and the growing influence of voice agents.

Whether you're tech-curious or still on the sidelines, this episode offers accessible tips to help designers integrate AI into their daily routines and marketing strategies—without needing a computer science degree.

Learn more about Jenna’s work, her daily AI training program, and her upcoming in-person workshops at aiforinteriordesigners.com.

You can learn more about our host Brian Berkowitz:

Brian's Website: https://www.brianberkowitzphoto.com

Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianberko

In this episode of the IDS Podcast, host Brian Berkowitz sits down with Andrea Magno, Director of Color Marketing & Design at Benjamin Moore, for an insightful conversation about the world of color and design. Andrea shares her journey from art history and interior design to becoming one of the leading voices in color strategy at Benjamin Moore.

They explore the psychology behind color choices, how color influences mood and perception, and the importance of lighting in interior spaces. Andrea also discusses how designers can navigate client indecision by using visualization tools and understanding emotional connections to color. From nostalgic palettes to modern trends, Andrea reveals the thought process behind Benjamin Moore’s 2025 Color of the Year, “Cinnamon Slate,” and what it represents in today’s design landscape.

The episode dives deep into practical tools—like peel-and-stick samples, the Benjamin Moore Color Portfolio app, and large color chips—to help designers and homeowners make informed decisions. Andrea also explains the role of Benjamin Moore reps and how designers can build meaningful collaborations to elevate their projects.

Whether you're a designer, photographer, or simply a color enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into how color shapes the spaces we live and work in.

You can learn more about our host Brian Berkowitz:

Brian's Website: https://www.brianberkowitzphoto.com

Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianberko

n this episode of the IDS Podcast, host Brian Berkowitz sits down with Nava Slavin from The Creative Edge in Roslyn to explore the art and science of kitchen design. With a background in architecture and decades of hands-on experience, Nava shares her journey from big city architecture firms to running her own boutique design studio. The discussion dives deep into the evolution of kitchen spaces—from compact, closed-off areas to today's open-concept lifestyle hubs.

Nava unpacks how client priorities have shifted toward multifunctional spaces that encourage family interaction and social gatherings. She discusses the influence of smart technology, like connected appliances and intelligent storage solutions, and shares her favorite efficiency tips, including the power of induction cooking and steam ovens. Nava also highlights how to balance timeless aesthetics with contemporary trends, navigate storage challenges in small spaces, and avoid common design pitfalls—especially when it comes to corners and cabinetry.

Whether you're a design enthusiast, a homeowner planning a remodel, or a fellow designer, this episode is packed with insight on how to create functional, beautiful, and enduring kitchen spaces.

You can learn more about our host Brian Berkowitz:

Brian's Website: https://www.brianberkowitzphoto.com

Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianberko

n this episode of the IDS Podcast, Brian sits down with Hailey, Tim, and Nicole from Elements Lighting and Decor in Carle Place to explore how lighting truly defines a space. Hailey, a visual merchandiser and media communications specialist, Nicole, a buyer and analyst, and Tim, the general manager, share their expertise on how lighting goes far beyond being a finishing touch—it’s often the starting point in a well-designed room.

They discuss how today’s designers are integrating lighting early in the process to influence mood, highlight textures, and create a sense of flow in interiors. From art deco inspirations to bold pops of color and the rise of bespoke fixtures, the trio dives into emerging trends and how technology like integrated LEDs and smart-home systems are reshaping the industry. They also share insights on sustainability, offering tips on selecting fixtures that balance efficiency, longevity, and aesthetic appeal.

Listeners will also hear about the value of working with a showroom versus shopping online—gaining access to expert guidance, curated collections, and post-purchase support that ensures every fixture fits perfectly. Whether you’re a designer or homeowner, this conversation is packed with practical advice to help you make lighting a true expression of style.

You can learn more about our host Brian Berkowitz:

Brian's Website: https://www.brianberkowitzphoto.com

Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianberko

In this episode of IDS Podcast, host Brian Berkowitz sits down with Rob Marchese, owner of Zippboxx, a Long Island–based moving and storage company specializing in storage logistics for interior designers. Rob shares the fascinating journey from quitting his masonry job to launching Zippboxx, originally envisioned as an on‑demand storage service. Over time, Zippboxx evolved into a niche operation that now partners with designers to receive, inspect, store, and deliver high‑end furniture and accessories with true white‑glove service.

Rob explains how Zippboxx handles every detail of designer logistics—from photographing and cataloging each item upon arrival to coordinating installation day with precision. He talks about building trust with designers, maintaining a photo inventory system, and the importance of impeccable quality control. The conversation also dives into Zippboxx’s expansion into hospitality logistics, handling large‑scale hotel installations, and even offering services like art and mirror hanging to provide a complete solution.

You’ll also hear Rob’s excitement about integrating AI technology into his workflow, from automating inventory updates to streamlining communication with designers. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone in the design community looking for reliable logistics support.

You can learn more about our host Brian Berkowitz:

Brian's Website: https://www.brianberkowitzphoto.com

Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianberko

In this insightful episode of the IDS Podcast, host Brian Berkowitz welcomes back Dean Camastro, former President of IDS Long Island and current Northeast Sales Rep for Duravit. As a returning guest this season, Dean brings his deep expertise in bathroom design and construction to an important topic—sustainability in the built environment.

Dean and Brian dive into why the bathroom is a crucial space to consider when thinking about sustainable home design. From water conservation with low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets to the environmental impacts of outdated materials, Dean breaks down the key ways homeowners and designers can make more responsible choices. They explore how modularity in design can reduce waste over time and how thoughtful planning can extend a bathroom’s life cycle, even as trends shift.

The episode also highlights Duravit’s long-standing commitment to sustainable manufacturing, including its goal to become the first climate-neutral ceramics manufacturer by 2045. Dean shares how technologies like gray water systems, closed-loop manufacturing, and sustainable cabinetry are pushing the industry forward. Whether you’re designing your dream bathroom or just curious about greener choices, this episode delivers plenty of valuable insights.

You can learn more about our host Brian Berkowitz:

Brian's Website: https://www.brianberkowitzphoto.com

Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianberko