‘Designer Match’ at World Market Center Connects Consumers to Qualified Interior Designers

Furniture World Magazine

The year-round Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center is inviting Las Vegas residents to be matched with interior designers during the first-ever “Designer Match” on May 24, 2007 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 495 S. Grand Central Parkway. Following a short orientation on what consumers should look for when hiring a designer from Cindy L. Payne, ASID, CID, of Las Vegas-based Project Design Interiors, attendees will be introduced to a variety of pre-screened interior designers in an innovative “speed dating” format. Members of the public will be able to present their design dilemmas and ask questions of the more than 20 professional interior designers as they rotate from one design expert to the next. Designers participating in Designer Match represent a broad cross-section of local professionals, with varied pricing, practices and specialties. After a group lunch, the showrooms in Buildings A and B will offer mini-seminars and preview their lines with attendees. Dana Pretner Andrew, director of marketing and public relations for World Market Center, said the idea for the Designer Match event evolved as the Las Vegas Design Center team started receiving more requests for referrals. “As we grow as a resource for the local design community, we feel it’s our role to be a matchmaker between the many talented designers in our community and local Las Vegans mulling the idea of hiring an interior designer,” Pretner Andrew said. “We also feel that it’s our role to educate consumers about how to work with an interior designer, and even what questions to ask when hiring one. So we developed this innovative ‘designer dating’ format. Best of all, the money we raise through Designer Match tuitions will go to The Public Education Foundation.” Pretner Andrew added the Designer Match event will also serve to demystify the often intimidating process of approaching and working with an interior designer by providing attendees with the tools to interview and screen a design professional. It empowers Las Vegas residents and designers alike, she said. Payne, an interior designer, contractor and columnist, who will kick-off the morning’s event added, “In our fast-paced society, homeowners need an option for meeting and interviewing several designers at one time before they sign on the dotted line. Designer Match saves time for the homeowner and the designer. At this one meeting, the homeowner will have the opportunity to meet designers of many different styles and personalities. Similar to dating, many of the designers and homeowners will hopefully find a match.” When it comes to hiring an interior designer, many consumers simply don’t know where to start, Payne said. “They don’t know what price is appropriate to pay, what to expect from a designer and how to be prepared for their first meeting. At Designer Match, the homeowner will learn that hiring a designer can be easy and fun.” Those interested in attending Designer Match must register in advance at www.lasvegasmarket.com or call (702) 599-3062. For a $50 donation, which will be forwarded to The Public Education Foundation, attendees can participate in the seminars, how-to’s and lunch at World Market Center, which is not generally open to the general public. The Public Education Foundation The Public Education Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to mobilize business and community resources to support and impact public education through initiatives, programs and services designed to advance quality educational opportunities and improve academic achievement for all children. World Market Center: World Market Center is an integrated home and hospitality contract furnishings showroom and convention complex in Las Vegas. When fully built, at 12 million square feet in 8 buildings, World Market Center will be the largest trade show facility in the World. The 12 million square foot campus will showcase furniture, decorative accessories, lighting, area rugs, home textile and related segments, as well as the Las Vegas Design Center open year-round to the trade. The second building opened in January 2007; officials are now leasing the third building to a broad cross-section of the home furnishings industry. The next Las Vegas Market will take place July 30 – August 3, 2007 at World Market Center’s Buildings A and B, the Pavilions; the temporaries will be featured at Sands Expo & Convention Center opening on Tuesday, July 31.