ICYMI: The New Studio—Small & Mid-Sized Firms Talk New Business Strategies for Success

Work looks different these days—for designers, too. Listen in to discover how some teams are tackling a post-pandemic world, restructuring their businesses to protect and nurture not just clients, but also their process, pockets and themselves.

Robert Nieminen

May 22, 2023

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A back-to-the-future hypostyle of nine mushroom columns dominate the twelve square column bays that constitute the heart of the INC studio.

As the dust settles after the pandemic, small to mid-size design and architecture firms are now able to stop and take a proper look around to determine their position. Where it’s finding many of them is on a new playing field with their clients and colleagues alike, with lots of unfamiliar implications for material selection, work hours, financing and more. Owners and executives reflect on the past to show how they’re learning to address it all moving forward.

In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) episode, we present an article by staff editor Lauren Brant titled, “Small to Mid-Size Firms Talk New Business Strategies for Success,” that appeared in the May/June issue of i+s and that was originally published online on May 11, 2023.

Read the full article here.

About the Author

Robert Nieminen

Market Content Director

Market Content Director, American School & University, Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources

Robert Nieminen is the Market Content Director of four leading B2B publications serving the commercial architecture and design industries: American School & University, Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources. With a career rooted in editorial excellence and a passion for storytelling, Robert oversees a diverse content portfolio that spans award-winning feature articles, strategic podcast programming, and digital media initiatives aimed at empowering design professionals, facility managers, and commercial building stakeholders.

He is the host of the I Hear Design podcast and curates the Smart Buildings Technology Report, bringing thought leadership to the forefront of innovation in built environments. Robert leads editorial and creative direction for multiple industry award programs—including the Elev8 Design Awards and Product Innovation Awards—and is a recognized voice in sustainability, smart technology integration, and forward-thinking design.

Robert's work has earned him industry-wide recognition throughout his career, including:

ASBPE Award (2019, 2018, 2017, 2015)—Best Regularly-Contributed Column; retrofit
TABPI Award (2017, 2016)—Top 25 Entries, Cover Story; Retail Environments
WPA Maggie Award (2011, 2010, 2008)—Best Publication, Trade; interiors+sources
FOLIO: Eddie Gold Award (2022, 2007)—Best Feature Article & Special Section; interiors+sources
Contributing author of ASID’s 2020 Outlook and State of Interior Design report, as well as The State of the Interior Design Profession (Fairchild Books, 2010), which earned a place on the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers’ “50 Must Read, Must Have” book list.