Interview with Grant K. Gibson

Designer Marketplace caught up with Grant K. Gibson, who was recently featured in Williams-Sonoma Home's Designer Series.  In the interview, Grant talks about his style and thoughts on how to buy furniture. Below, he expands on how technology and the web has transformed the way he does business.

Exclusive event: Grant will be hosting a special presentation on Social Media and the Design Industry at Williams-Sonoma Home in Palo Alto, CA on Wednesday, May 29, 2010, at 10:30am.  Visit the event page for more details and to RSVP.

Designer Marketplace (DM): How has technology and the web changed the interior design industry?

Grant K. Gibson (GKG): It’s totally transformed it. I’m able to get so much done with my iPhone—being able to email photos to my clients while I’m out and get instant feedback is fantastic. Or to be traveling and place a furniture order at two in the morning from wherever I am is incredible. I’m so dependent on Google it’s crazy! I’m online all day long sourcing ideas and inspiration images for clients. It’s pretty amazing how much you can accomplish sitting in front of a computer.

DM: How do you use the web as it relates to your business?

GKG: Nowadays, there are so many different avenues—from having your own website or blog to Facebook to Twitter—for getting the word out about your business. The internet is such a great tool for putting my brand and myself out there more. With all the technology that’s available these days, you definitely can’t expect to sit back, do nothing and have clients come to you.

DM: What role does your blog play in your personal life and/or career?

GKG: My blog is both personal and professional. It started when I wanted to share pictures of a trip to Paris with friends, but it went viral and spiraled, and now I’ve definitely gotten clients who started as blog readers. I think people like to have a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to be a designer. It makes me seem more like a real person, someone who throws dinner parties and travels and has two dogs. Prospective clients can get to know me in a way that would never be possible by flipping through a portfolio. It’s also been great connecting with other bloggers around the country and finding others who are just as passionate about design.

Find out more about Grant K. Gibson Interior Design by visiting Grant's website and reading his blog.