September Happenings: 100 Rooms Book Announcement

Interior Design Author Releases Fifth Book

You won’t want to miss out on these 100 incredible spaces!

“Every great design begins with an even better story.” – Lorinda Mamo, Designer, Blogger and Interior Stylist

And who better to tell a story about great design than Carl Dellatore, interior design author and close friend of Designer Society of America? He released his fifth book earlier this month, and we can’t wait to share some insight into the new piece with our members!

Dellatore’s “100 Rooms: Lessons from the Finest Designers on the Art of Home” by Rizzoli New York features 100 individual designers’ remarkable spaces, which are broken down by type of room—Gathering, Transitional, Respite, Entertaining and Utility.

He spent nearly two years on the newest release, working closely with his team at Rizzoli New York to pare down a list of between 1,200-1,500 rooms to 100.

“I wanted to represent as many aesthetic visions as possible—minimalist, maximalist, traditionalist, contemporary—because that’s the landscape of design,” Dellatore says.

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Dellatore recently to learn more about his new book, including the intricate process of narrowing down his selections to just 100 designers’ spaces, and what’s next for him. Psst: He’s already working on his sixth book, and his seventh book won’t be far behind.

Ready to be inspired? Watch Carl Dellatore discuss his new book 100 Rooms and explore the complete article for the lessons behind the designs.

[Full Article and Video HERE!]

Marketing Tips with Ericka Saurit: The answer to confusion is always no.

By Ericka Saurit

How to simplify your message without dumbing it down. Plus what to cut out immediately.

Last month, we got your story straight. This month, we’re doing the hard part…cutting everything else that gets in the way.

Here's the truth most brands ignore: when people have to work to understand you, they won’t. Confusion doesn’t ask follow-up questions, it just says no. No to you, and yes to your competitor. Or no to doing anything at all right now. Not because your work isn’t beautiful, but because they can’t quickly see how it makes their life better. 

So the tendency is to just add more. More pages, more posts, more process language. We reach for jargon to sound more like experts. But more information isn’t better—it’s just more. The work is to say the right thing, clearly, at the right moment.

As Albert Einstein said "If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”  He knew that simplicity isn’t a downgrade, it’s mastery.

[Simplify without dumbing it down — READ NOW!]

AI in Design: Episode 8 — A First Look at Comet by Perplexity

Hosted by Jenna Gaidusek

In this month’s episode of AI in Design, Jenna introduces us to Comet by Perplexity, a brand-new internet browser with an integrated AI assistant that is changing how we research, create, and interact online. Think of it as wrapping a powerful, large language model into your browser—making the web smarter, faster, and more intuitive.

In her video, Jenna demonstrates how designers can use these capabilities to streamline research, spark creativity, and save time.

Imagine browsing a trade vendor site and instantly asking your AI assistant to reference your mood board, summarize pricing details, or highlight product specs—all without leaving the page. With today’s tariffs and supply chain complexities, the ability to quickly gather and compare insights is invaluable. 

Ready to see it in action? Watch the full episode of AI in Design and explore how this breakthrough tool can become your go-to assistant for research, writing, and beyond.

Watch Episode 8 now → [HERE]

[Click here for more details!]

Welcoming Heritage as an RIDQC Partner Institute

We’re thrilled to announce Heritage School of Interior Design as our newest RIDQC Partner Institute! With campuses across the country and a dynamic virtual program, Heritage empowers students to turn their passion into professional success. This partnership brings even more opportunities for aspiring designers to gain confidence, build connections, and join a thriving design community.

Welcome, Heritage—we’re excited to grow together!

"At Heritage School of Interior Design, we’re thrilled to partner with RIDQC and DSA to further elevate our students’ professional credentials. By offering this national certification in addition to the comprehensive education they receive through the Master Certification Program at HSID, we’re providing even more opportunities for their careers. RIDQC is an exceptional organization, and we are proud to collaborate with them to give our students greater recognition and professional growth in the industry."

- Stephanie Thornton Plymale, CEO of Heritage School of Interior Design

DSA Insider: Contract Tips, Events and Fresh Reads

Design Contract Tip from Attorney Wendy Estela:

Tip No. 5: Why Every Design Project Needs a Formal Close-Out

Always formally "close out" your project when you are done. A little closure can go a long way and allows you to charge higher rates and use an updated contract when your client comes back for more.

Always formally close out your projects—it’s more than just good manners, it’s smart business. A wrap-up letter or email confirms services are complete, draws a clear boundary on your time, and leaves the client with confidence in your professionalism. Even better, it sets the stage for the next project, allowing you to update your contract and charge at your current rates. A little closure today creates smoother, stronger client relationships tomorrow.

Be sure to check in for Wendy's tip next month, and learn more about Attory Wendy Estela!

Upcoming Events:

High Point Market:

The San Francisco Fall Show:

Interior Design Master Class: 100 Rooms: Lessons from the Finest Designers on the Art of Home

In Interior Design Master Class: 100 Rooms, author Carl Dellatore brings together wisdom from 100 of today’s most celebrated designers to tackle the art of every space in the home. Organized room by room—from kitchens and bedrooms to porches and dining areas—the book offers practical insights and creative frameworks directly from the experts. With contributions from design luminaries like Bunny Williams, Mark Sikes, Nicole Hollis, and Corey Damen Jenkins, this volume is both an inspiring reference and an elegant guide to stylish twenty-first-century living.