The Washington Design Center in Washington, D.C., is offering its free Business of Design seminar series, Oct. 12-Dec. 7. The Business of Design program is a series of presentations designed to educate and inform industry professionals on hot topics in the design industry.

Topics are set to include forging powerful business partnerships, marketing, using media, and navigating the new media landscape. In addition to seminars, the Washington Design Center will also offer instructional showroom events.

Following are short descriptions of the scheduled events. More detailed explanations are availablehere.

Main Events

October 12, 2010

9 a.m., “Powerful Partnerships,” featuring Jody Seivert

This informational CEU course will cover marketing, selling and partnering for interior designers. Following the lecture, enjoy a luncheon in the Century Furniture Showroom, Suite 609.


November 2, 2010

11 a.m., Marketing Interior Design, featuring Lloyd Princeton

Lloyd’s presentation will address the most effective ways to position your brand for work in any market that you desire. Lloyd will also be signing copies of his book,Marketing Interior Design.Following the lecture, enjoy a luncheon and book signing in the Duralee Showroom, Suite 317.


November 18, 2010

11 a.m., Decades of Design with Mark Hampton, featuring Alexa Hampton

Alexa will discuss: her new book,The Language of Interior Design,and her family’s rich history in the world of design. Following the lecture, enjoy a luncheon in the Poliform Washington by Sagart Studio Showroom, Suite 527.


December 7, 2010

11 a.m., CLEARING THROUGH THE CLUTTER: Navigating the new-media landscape, featuring Michael Boodro, Editor-in-Chief ofELLE DECOR

Prepare…Present…Promote: Critical words for designers eager to move the professional needle. Following the lecture, enjoy a luncheon in the AmericanEye Showroom, Suite 511.


Showroom Events

October 12, 2010

1 p.m., Lee Jofa, Suite 123

Oscar de la Renta’s exclusive line of luxury fabrics is now available at Lee Jofa. Executive V.P. and Creative Director Stephen Elrod will be in the DC showroom to provide an up-close and personal look at the new collection.


1 p.m., J. Lambeth & Co, Suite 117

Make More Money

You’re leaving money on the table with drapery orders unless you also order the hardware to go with those window treatments. Aldo Alteri, Stroheim’s East Coast manager, will show you how easy it is to order Stroheim hardware. Complimentary catalogs and refreshments will be available. RSVP: 202.646.1774.


1 to 3 p.m., Scalamandré, Suite 740

Join the team at Scalamandré to welcome back Jeff Eckman as he presents the new designs. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP: 202.554.8860.


2 p.m., Niermann Weeks, Suite 701

Dessert and Conversation with David Goldberg

David Goldberg shares his approach to the design and manufacture of his award-winning collection of handcrafted wallcoverings at David Goldberg Design Corporation.


2 p.m., WILLEMSMITHDC, Suite 111

Custom Metalwork with Ken & Julie Girardini

Ken and Julie have spent over 20 years refining their metal artistry, which includes mixed media furniture, art, fireplace surrounds, and a wide variety of specialty projects.


November 2, 2010

1 p.m., Kravet, Suite 123

Chair Build

As designers, you know that a well-constructed chair can last a lifetime. Join us for an interactive demonstration as our master upholsterer constructs the Kravet Pelham chair from the ground up, and you will see first-hand all the features that go into a quality piece of furniture.


2 p.m., J. Lambeth & Co, Suite 117

Getting Your Name Out There

Learn from our local socials about the latest trends in social media and marketing. J Lambeth Suite 117. RSVP: Tonia@jlambeth.com.


3 p.m., WILLEMSMITHDC, Suite 111

Hide and Seek – Finding the Right Leather With Confidence, featuring John Smith, Owner, WILLEMSMITHDC

Join us for an informal discussion (with refreshments!) to help you navigate the maze of options as you select the ideally-suited leather for your next project.   


November 18, 2010

1:00 pm, WILLEMSMITHDC, Suite 111

The Evolution of Powell & Bonnell, featuring David Preston

Join us for a chat with David Preston, head of furniture for Powell & Bonnell, as he shares his insights into the inspiration behind the Powell & Bonnell collection.


All day

Niermann Weeks, Suite 701

Annual Holiday Jewelry and Craft Fair

Enjoy a glass of champagne while you meet the artists and browse sumptuous hand-painted silks, original bejeweled treasures and jewelry, wearable art and much more.


Poliform Washington by Sagart Studio, Suite 527

Poliform/Varenna has completely renewed its showroom located on 5th floor of The Washington Design Center. The new Poliform products and Varenna kitchens are born from the continuous research of new technologies and new materials. Come visit the sleek, new high-tech showrooms and its beautiful modern designs.


December 7, 2010

1 p.m., WILLEMSMITHDC, Suite 111

Demystifying Wood Furniture: Solid wood vs. veneer and other myths, featuring John Smith, Owner, WILLEMSMITHDC

Join us for a brief but informative presentation to help you sort through the sound bites and outdated platitudes of wood furniture attributes.   


2 p.m., Niermann Weeks, Suite 701

Greener Lighting in the Post-Incandescent World, featuring Eleanor McKay (CEU credits available)

Join Eleanor McKay, CEO of Niermann Weeks, for a presentation on the changes in light bulb standards. With aesthetics being the top priority, she will cover the pros and cons of CFL’s, LED and halogen bulbs.

All day

Poliform Washington by Sagart Studio, Suite 527

Poliform/Varenna Open House (see description above).


For more information on presentations, speakers, showroom events or to register, call (202) 646-6114.