April Edition: 2025 Design 360 Winner - Alisa Bloom

Introducing Alisa Bloom: 2025 Designer 360° Award Winner

“I always put in one controversial item. It makes people talk.” – Dorothy Draper, Interior and Product Designer

In the case of this year’s Designer 360° Award Winner, Alisa Bloom, the “controversial” item—or items—actually comes with a handmade book that shares the history behind all the exceptional design pieces she brings into a space that make it unique.

“You don’t want your house to look like you bought it all from a store,” Bloom shares. “My goal is so that when your friends come over to your house, they think the pieces were already in your family and handed down, and they are going to ask where the stuff comes from. I make a book for my clients, which has all the pieces listed, where a piece is from and where I found it.”

Conversation pieces, as some may call them, really do bring something to the table when it comes to tackling one-of-a-kind design and highlighting what makes a space phenomenal, inspirational and/or feel like “home.”

We are excited to introduce you to Bloom, sharing what inspires her timeless work in the interior design industry and why she was selected for the 2025 honor. We invite you to scroll down to see our one-on-one interview with Bloom and best-selling author Carl Dellatore.

DSA Insider: Hot Topics, Events and Fresh Reads

Hot Topics

Talking to Clients About Inflation

With new tariff proposals and economic uncertainty on the rise, many designers are grappling with how to navigate increased costs—especially when those changes affect project budgets midstream.

According to Business of Home, vendors are reacting in a variety of ways: Some are raising prices, others are pausing orders and most are over-communicating with designers about what to expect (Bourque, 2025). Adding line items for tariffs, shortening quote validity windows and adjusting freight and sourcing strategies are becoming common practices to buffer unpredictability.

A 2025 Decorilla article also notes that many manufacturers are adapting behind the scenes to avoid pushing increased costs onto consumers—but transparency is key.

The best approach? Be proactive. Explain to clients that the current pricing reflects market conditions and may be subject to change, especially for imported goods. Consider adding a clause in contracts addressing tariff-related adjustments and keeping detailed records to help clients understand where their dollars are going.

Flexibility, empathy and honesty go a long way, whether it means exploring alternate materials or rethinking a product’s timeline.

As designer Lindsay Olson puts it: “Their budget is what it is … I need to either pick something that meets their budget, or we have to charge more” (Bourque, 2025).

Upcoming Events

High Point Market–Spring 2025

Join thousands of designers from around the world at High Point Market’s Spring Market hosted from April 26-30 in High Point, North Carolina. During the five-day event, guests can participate in educational seminars hosted by industry experts, explore specialized showrooms and much, much more.

Registration is now open online at highpointmarket.org/register. Pre-registration ends April 23. If you have questions or issues registering, click HERE, call 800-874-6492 or email registration@highpointmarket.org.

Décor Tours Announces 2025 Travel Lineup: Exclusive Discount for DSA Members!

Décor Tours, a travel experience company created by interior designers for interior designers, has announced its 2025 lineup of international design tours. These curated trips offer participants the opportunity to explore celebrated and emerging design destinations through a professional lens, combining education, cultural immersion, and elevated travel experiences.

Founded over a decade ago by designers Deb Barrett and Susan Schultz, Décor Tours was established with the goal of “showing, not telling” fellow professionals the depth and breadth of design inspiration available beyond traditional showrooms and sample books. Since then, the company has led small-group tours to Paris, London, Venice, Provence, and Portugal, consistently prioritizing meaningful connections, hands-on exploration, and unexpected inspiration.

In 2025, Décor Tours will return to favorite locations such as Paris and Provence while also introducing new offerings in Lisbon and London. Each destination is selected not only for its visual and historical richness, but also for its ability to offer participants direct access to artisans, workshops, and design events typically reserved for local insiders.

2025 Tour Highlights Include:

London (May 2025): Timed with London Craft Week, this tour offers rare opportunities to attend exclusive design events and behind-the-scenes experiences. Tour Details
Lisbon (May 2025): This new addition coincides with Lisbon Design Week and showcases Portugal’s emerging design scene, architecture, and material innovation. Tour Details
Paris (September 2025): A longtime favorite, the Paris tour includes access to lesser-known ateliers, flea markets, and design landmarks. Tour Details
Provence (September 2025): Participants will explore charming towns, regional markets, and authentic French countryside design, all set against a scenic backdrop. Tour Details
New York City: A domestic option is currently in development, with details to be announced. Interested parties can join the waitlist on the Décor Tours website.

Décor Tours is extending a 10% discount on any 2025 tour package to current DSA members. To redeem the offer, members can use the code DSA25 during registration.

With a commitment to delivering “Every Day Extraordinary,” Décor Tours continues to redefine what it means to travel as a design professional—combining beauty, education, and community in some of the world’s most inspiring locales.

Fresh Reads

“Private Spaces: Great American Design” by TORREY

Modern glamour meets timeless sophistication in “Private Spaces,” which is the debut monograph from New York–based design firm TORREY. With text by Gay Gassmann, this stunning volume spans a decade of Andrew Torrey’s residential projects—from Manhattan to Miami, London to Cabo—showcasing his signature blend of sleek modernism, luxe finishes and reverence for vintage design. A must-add to any design lover’s library. Click HERE to learn more and purchase your copy today.

Marketing Tips With Ericka Saurit

By Ericka Saurit

Hey you! Yes, you—the one feeling overwhelmed and frustrated trying to market your business. You’re not alone.

I’ve been in your shoes. I began my career as an interior designer, and over a decade ago transitioned into marketing and branding specifically for designers. I get our industry, and I know the unique challenges we face when it comes to talking about what we do.

It’s my mission to help designers market their businesses better. Because I believe this: The more people who understand the power of great interior design, the better world we’ll create for everyone.

Each month, I’ll share one small-but-mighty idea to help you strengthen your brand and show up with more confidence, clarity and connection.

One tip, a few reasons why it matters and a short list of things you can actually do to apply it in your business. Quick and simple!

Let’s start at the very beginning with the one thing most people get wrong:

Start with clarity, not cleverness.

So many designers struggle to get their brand message—the copy on their website, their Instagram bio, their email signature—just right. But here’s what matters more than anything else: It needs to be clear.

Cleverness is tempting, especially for creatives. We want to sound different. We want to be original. But, different doesn’t always mean clear. And when people are confused, they scroll on.

Being understood is underrated. But it’s everything.

Here’s what you can do to audit your own messaging this month:

Focus on clarity over perfection. Rewrite your one-liner, tagline or Instagram bio using plain, human language. Your message should clearly answer: 1) what you do, 2) who you do it for and 3) how it helps them. Start there. Add the poetry later.
Ask someone outside the industry to explain what you do. If they get it right, great. If not, then congratulations, because you’ve just uncovered your blind spot. Now you can fix it.
Look for clarity leaks. Scan your site or social copy for abstract phrases like “curated experiences,” “elevated design” or “intentional living.” Try swapping in something specific and grounded in your actual work. What do you really mean by “elevated?” Show people, don’t just tell them.

Clarity doesn’t limit you. It liberates you.

Because once people understand what you do, and who it’s for, it becomes so much easier for them to say yes.

DSA Member Special Offer:

DSA members can now save $500 on enrollment in Marketing School for Creatives (MSC), Ericka Saurit’s signature program designed to help creative entrepreneurs build a clear, confident, and consistent marketing strategy—without the overwhelm. With lifetime access to the core curriculum, expert-led workshops, live support, and a library of templates and tools, MSC is a must for any designer ready to level up.

Check your email for the DSA Member specific code or reach out to support@dsasociety.org for help. Start building a marketing plan that actually works! Be sure to keep up with Saurit Creative on socials!

Episode 3: When & Where to Use AI Tools

In this episode of AI in Design, Jenna breaks down exactly how and when to use AI to boost productivity and streamline your daily operations. Think of it as having your own behind-the-scenes assistant—one that never sleeps and is always ready to help.

From automating client onboarding and managing leads to scheduling meetings and generating polished proposals, Jenna walks you through real-world examples of how AI can take the busywork off your plate so you can focus on what you do best: designing.

Hit play to see how these tools can fit seamlessly into your workflow—and why timing matters.

[Watch the full episode HERE!]

Be sure to check out this month’s episode of the DAIly hosted by Jenna Gaidusek, Owner of Jenna Gaidusek Designs, and Founder and CEO of AI for Interior Designers, which covers AI-powered tools to help support your interior design business. Click HERE for the free tool list that she refers to in the video.

Exciting news! She’s reduced the rate of the DAIly to only $29.99, so be sure to subscribe today.

The Story Behind the Style: Meet Alisa Bloom, DSA's 2025 Designer 360 Award Winner

By Lindsay Field Penticuff

The Designer Society of America is excited to introduce you to our 2025 Designer 360° Award Winner: Alisa Bloom, Owner of New York-, Chicago- and Paris-based design firm Alisa Bloom.

“Alisa’s designs stand out for their exceptional vision,” says Natasha Younts, President of DSA. “She masterfully combines historical references with contemporary notes for rooms that blend beauty with functionality. Reviewing her portfolio, I kept returning to one word project after project—modernity—which for me means your spaces are fully resolved in the here and now. We’ve not seen them before, which is the mark of an excellent designer. We’re delighted to honor Alisa’s vision, dedication and influence on the industry. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!”

Bloom says she is honored and excited not only to be nominated for the award, but to win it.

“It’s truly unbelievable, because I feel like I’m in this hidden niche, so the fact that I’m getting accolades from my peers feels really, really good,” she shares with joy.

Bloom was nominated for the award by Carl Dellatore, a best-selling author with four decades of experience in New York’s design industry. The DSA selection comittee was unaware of who submitted this candidate, and once the winner was chosen, we were delighted to discover the source of the submission. The DSA team was thrilled that Carl Dellatore, the award-winning author, was available to interview his candidate, this year's DSA 2025 360° Award Winner, Alisa Bloom.

Dellatore discovered Bloom while working on his new book, “Interior Design Master Class: 100 Rooms,” which is now available for preorder at all major online booksellers and will be released Sept. 9. One of her designed rooms is featured in the book.

“When you really try and aspire to create something, and that’s what other people are seeing, it’s really special,” Bloom says when asked about the nomination.

Bloom, who opened her design firm about 15 years ago, first started in the interior design space as a home flipper, buying properties while in college and working as the general contractor.

“I designed and bought with friends,” she says. “After 2008 and the market was bad, I had people throughout the years who saw what I had built, ask if I could design their homes, decorate. That’s how my career began with me doing my own projects.”

To learn more about Bloom—what inspires her, how she achieves her timeless design, where she finds the unique pieces she includes in her design work and what advice she has for aspiring designer—Dellatore joined us for an exceptional one on one. Learn more in our Q&A below.

Many designers follow trends, but you emphasize enduring beauty. How do you define timeless design, and what elements are essential to achieving it?

“We are getting so many images thrown at us at such a crazy speed, so there is so much you have to rifle through in your head when you’re looking at things and you’re seeing them a lot, you have to say to yourself, ‘Do I actually think this is beautiful, or do I just keep seeing it and that’s why I think it’s pretty?’ That’s why you have to pull apart your brain and really figure out what you’re drawn to that’s beautiful and whether you’re drawn to it just because it’s aesthetically and artfully great, as opposed to you just seeing it a lot.

“I feel like for me, my goal when I’m designing a room is about the whole mood of the room, that it feels good and you walk in and it’s so pretty. I don’t want to leave this room. I want to stay here, so to see something be timeless. I did my living room about 15 years ago, and usually about 10-15 years is when you ask whether something is getting tired and if you should replace it. But then I start looking through every single piece, thinking, ‘I still love that,’ and say, ‘Nope. We’re OK.’ I think that’s how I define it. In 20 years from now, it is a room you’re still going to want to be in, as opposed to picking apart each piece.”

[SEE THE FULL Q+A HERE]

Be sure to follow Alisa on Instagram at @alisa_bloom to stay up to date with her latest work. She continues to create breathtaking designs around the world, including current projects in Hong Kong and Paris that we can’t wait to see!

And a special thank you to Carl Dellatore! Stay updated by following his Instagram. His new book, "Interior Design Master Class: 100 Rooms", will be released Sept. 9 and is now available for preorder at all major online booksellers.

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