S3, E8: #DESIGNCHAT: Create Your Own Lane in Interior Design with Tamara Archer

We are ending Black History Month with a special conversation as Nicole Lashae Ben, CEO of Thrive In Design, and Tamara Archer, a returning guest, share their experiences navigating the interior design industry as black women. Since 2020, there has been a rise in conversation and increased focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The interior design industry has only scratched the surface on these efforts.   Nicole and Tamara, both graduated from interior design school with honors and one of the world’s top art and design schools for graduate school, but each faced discrimination and had potential employers question their abilities. Listen in to learn how they navigated these challenges, finally got a chance to thrive, and how they’ve each created their own lanes in an industry where it’s rare to see someone that looks like them. The duo also shares how they hope to see leaders in the industry take strides forward this year and in years to come.    Tamara Archer is the Founder and CEO of T.Archer Design, a boutique interior design firm specializing in hospitality and residential. Raised in Brooklyn, NY, with Trinidadian roots, her design aesthetic is inspired by different cultures, world travel, architecture, and nature. Tamara’s approach to creating beautiful, timeless interiors involves an exotic flair with an urban edge. She enjoys helping her clients improve the energy in their homes and businesses to find balance with designs that inspire, relax, and rejuvenate. Tamara has a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and a Master’s degree in Design Management.   Ready to jump in?   Key Highlights from the Episode: [00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Tamara Archer [01:53] What has recently been inspiring Tamara in interior design [03:15] Tamara’s transition from residential design to hospitality  [05:24] Her journey in hospitality design [07:13] What comes to Tamara’s mind when she hears DEI in interior design [08:30] Tamara’s experiences of exclusion as a black woman in this industry [10:19] How creating her own space gave her room for inclusion [11:39] What do stakeholders in the interior design space need to do for the DEI initiative [14:58] Impact of remote working on Tamara’s work [15:48] How hybrid work and digital experience will shape the future of interior design [16:51] Adaptations Tamara does in the interior design projects for DEI and hybrid work [18:11] Episode’s golden nuggets from the guest [19:08] New and exciting things that Tamara is working on in her company and the best ways to connect [19:35] Episode wrap-up and calls to action Notable Quotes:  Hospitality design is much broader than just hotels and resorts. If the opportunities are not available for you, create one for yourself.  Remote working helps designers find jobs in diversified places and industries without relocating. The secrets to thriving in interior design environments with discrimination are believing in yourself and not giving up. Keep looking for resources to learn and evolve as a designer. Eventually, people will see and recognize you from your work. Stay Connected Tamara Archer Website: https://www.tarcherdesign.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/t.archerdesign/ Learn more about Thrive In Design:  Website: https://www.thriveindesign.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/   Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/   Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.