Professionals
Design Dialogues
This monthly webinar series is dedicated to educating design professionals on all aspects of outdoor design. Each session features expert guests sharing their insights and passion for the industry. Join Ashley Smith, Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet and Urban Bonfire's Director of Architect & Designer Partnerships, as she hosts engaging discussions on the latest trends, insights, and expert tips to elevate your designs.
Episode 04
Wellness by Design
Guest Speakers: Alexander Suvajac of Alexander Suvajac Landscape Design, Erika Hosking of Perfect Wellness Group, and Veronica Schreibeis Smith of Vera Iconica Architecture
As wellness continues to shape the way we live, work, and interact with our environments, outdoor spaces are being reimagined as essential extensions of well-being. This panel brings together wellness experts to explore how the growing emphasis on health and mindfulness is transforming the built environment. Our panelists will discuss how outdoor spaces are being designed to foster relaxation, connection, and holistic well-being and will highlight innovative approaches that prioritize human health while enhancing our relationship with nature.
Episode 03
Learned Experiences
Guest Speaker: Gina Armetta, Head of Sales at Pleina Group
What better way to learn than through real-world experience? Join us for an eye-opening webinar where we pull back the curtain on the art of designing and building stunning outdoor kitchens. Through firsthand stories and expert insights, we’ll take you behind the scenes of unique outdoor kitchen projects, each with its own set of challenges and creative solutions. Discover the lessons we’ve learned, the mistakes to avoid, and the strategies that lead to exceptional results—so you can achieve optimal results in your own design projects.
EPISODE 02
Transforming Spaces with Outdoor Lighting
Guest Speakers: Diana Mesh of Selux Corporation, Gyles Thornely of Connect One Design and Nick Surges of Night Light
Good lighting can complement and enhance design elements and help set the desired mood for any occasion. Yet, when it comes to outdoor design, lighting is frequently overlooked, despite being a key element. Not only does it improve safety, but it also boosts functionality, enhances curb appeal, and sets the perfect ambiance—helping to create unforgettable moments. To shed light on this essential aspect of outdoor living, we have invited lighting experts to share their insights, offer practical tips, and discuss the lighting trends we can expect to see in the year ahead.
Episode 01
Making Money Outdoors
Guest Speaker: Ryan Bloom, Urban Bonfire Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Office at Pleina Group
Outdoor kitchens are here to stay. In a recent study of industry experts, over 70% responded that outdoor kitchens are the most in-demand backyard feature in 2024. Design Professionals are in a unique position to leverage this category to grow their business. In this session, Chief Revenue Officer of Pleina Group and Urban Bonfire Co-Founder, Ryan Bloom, will discuss projections and trends for the outdoor living and cooking industry, the economic and functional advantages of specifying modular outdoor kitchen systems, and tips and sales strategies for design professionals when speaking to clients about outdoor space activation.
Recording available upon request.
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