Interior design firms are busy, fast-paced workplaces. There is an incredible amount of detail to track, execute, and remember for even a single design project. A little help from some good online tools can assist with organization and with minimizing a bit of the madness as you go through your day-to-day. Below are a few friendly places you can lean on for some support with all you need to accomplish.
1. LastPass
A password manager! Who doesn’t need that? If you’re maxed out on brain space for all the passwords you need to keep track of for your design firm (and personally), then this tool is for you. A personal password vault installed onto your web browser or device, LastPass will generate secure passwords for you and remember them for later. It will also auto-fill passwords for every saved site going forward. These are just a couple of the efficiencies you find with this excellent free add-on.
2. Flipboard
The amount of information available online can be overwhelming. Flipboard lets you procure the information you see. Choose your preferences by topic and source so that each time you open your Flipboard “magazine,” you see only what you want to. Save yourself the time of searching for the information you want–Flipboard will deliver it to you in a beautiful interface that makes it a pleasure to browse and read through your daily news.
3. Evernote
Evernote has become increasing popular over the last number of years, and there’s good reason for it.It’s really a great place to organize and store the contents of your head and to capture and save inspiration and ideas from online at anytime. Organize thoughts and projects into workbooks, and add files and clipitems from the web. All in a free download.Related apps give you ultimate control because you can sync all data across your devices so you’re never out of touch.
4. LinkedIn Groups
LinkedIn is an incredible resource, no matter what business you’re in, and with interior design, there are a ton of fantastic groups you can join to increase your exposure to trends and happenings in the industry. Groups are a place where you can interact with other LinkedIn members who share similar skills, affiliations, and goals. Discover new ideas and resources, and meet new like-minded people to build beneficial relationships with. You can join up to 50 groups, so you should be able to discover lots of new information that may help you in your design firm.
5. AroundMe
Sourcing? Client meetings? Running errands? A fantastic resource for anytime you’re out of the office, this app finds your location and tells you what is around you. Choose a category and be provided with a list of the closest resources to you. Whether you are looking for a coffee shop or restaurant, or are in need of a gas station or bank, simply open the app to find what you’re looking for. And it’s free!
6. DesignDocs
Proposals, invoices, purchase orders, time tracking, expenses, reporting, images, and complete accounting. DesignDocs really is the only software you need to manage the business side of your design firm. An online tool like no other, DesignDocs has your back where the numbers are concerned, so you can get on with designing spaces and building your interior design business. A mobile site allows you to be on the go and still keep up with time, expense, and mileage entry remotely. Associated bookkeeping and accounting services mean you can leave all the headaches behind!
