Blima Ehrentreu, founder and CEO of The Designers Group, channels her creative prowess to revolutionize the design landscape. An advocate for empowering women and community engagement, she earned recognition on Globest’s Women of Influence lists in 2020 and 2022. Her brainchild, The Designers Group, boasts a diverse project portfolio spanning residential and commercial domains. In 2021, Inc. Magazine ranked it as the 15th fastest-growing private company in the New York Metro Area.
At the forefront of interior design, The Designers Group, under Blima’s guidance, excels in creating upscale interior spaces for commercial, residential, and healthcare portfolios. Blima’s commitment to a philanthropy-driven work culture led to the inception of initiatives like TDG Gives Back and TDG Furniture Exchange.
A strong believer in design’s potential to forge positive environments and benefit communities, Blima’s signature outlook permeates her work, making her an exemplar of purpose-driven design leadership.
Below are highlights of the interview:
Can you please provide a brief overview of your professional background and experience in the industry?
I grew up in Toronto and studied interior design at George Brown College before pursuing a master’s degree at the Academy of Art University. In 2011, I founded The Designers Group (TDG), an interior design firm that leverages innovative designs to make a positive impact in the community. Over the past decade, TDG has grown significantly, and we’ve completed over 400 projects across the US and Canada for residential, commercial, hospitality, and healthcare clients.
Tell us about The Designers Group and its mission.
With the mission of “designing with purpose, creating a better world,” The Designers Group has expanded to become a multinational enterprise with offices in Toronto, New York, and Miami. Our belief in the transformative power of design allows us to incorporate innovative solutions to every project we undertake. Backed by a diverse team of experts, we are driving growth, innovation, and positive change within the industry. Our commitment extends to supporting women in the construction industry and giving back to the community. Through programs like TDG Gives Back, TDG Furniture Exchange, and TDG Insider, we provide pro-bono design services, donate furniture, and offer internship opportunities, respectively. This comprehensive approach underscores our dedication to using design to make a meaningful impact.
How did you initially get involved in the industry, and what motivated you to pursue a career in this field?
Following the completion of my master’s degree in interior architecture and design, I further refined my skills in design’s technical aspects while working at an architectural firm. In 2011, I took a significant leap towards turning this dream into reality by establishing The Designers Group in Toronto, Canada. In 2016, I extended our firm’s reach by setting up TDG’s headquarters in New York, a decision that truly transformed our trajectory, propelling us into a phase of remarkable growth.
With your experience overseeing various business functions, how do you ensure effective collaboration and alignment among different departments within The Designers Group?
I ensure effective collaboration and alignment among different departments at The Designers Group by fostering a culture of positivity and growth. Our designers take the lead on projects they’re truly passionate about, and I actively encourage risk-taking and collaboration to forge a strong, reliable, and innovative team. Our hybrid team brings together diverse talents from across the globe. Offering flexible schedules helps bridge time zones, while virtual meetings maintain crucial connections. Additionally, I prioritize one-on-one interactions with each team member to foster deeper understanding.
To enhance coordination, we organize events such as TDG Friday Fun and TDG Happy Hour. Our seamless collaboration leverages both in-person and virtual methods, facilitating real-time interactions and ensuring efficient teamwork throughout the design and management processes.
How do you foster a positive and growth-oriented work culture within the company and other departments at The Designers Group?
At TDG, collaboration is at the core of our success. We believe that by working together, we can achieve extraordinary outcomes and deliver exceptional results for our clients. Embracing diversity, we leverage the skills of our team to create cohesive and integrated design solutions. Recognizing exceptional individuals through our TDG Stars program and celebrating their achievements fosters a culture of recognition and appreciation. Team-building activities help develop camaraderie and collaboration, cultivating a culture that propels us toward greater success.
What strategies do you employ for talent development and succession planning within the organization?
At TDG, we highly value the growth and contributions of our team members. Recognition programs and open communication foster a motivating work environment, empowering our team to share ideas and tap into their creativity. This holistic approach ensures a strong talent pool, facilitates smooth leadership transitions, and guarantees the continuous success of our organization.
Furthermore, our TDG Insider program is dedicated to nurturing talent and making a positive impact. It is a thoughtfully curated internship program that provides aspiring designers with a platform to refine their skills and contribute to our community. By offering practical experiences through hands-on projects and assignments, prospective designers gain insights into the dynamic world of design, preparing them for the demands of the industry. At TDG, we are committed to cultivating talent, fostering growth, and shaping the future of design
How do you stay updated with the latest technologies and tools to optimize business processes?
TDG has gained recognition for our forward-thinking and advanced approach to design and technology. Through our TDG Tech Hub, we harness the power of immersive experiences and virtual tours to bring quality designs to life. This empowers our clients to virtually see and understand their projects before they are built. The effectiveness of our approach is further exemplified by the TDG Virtual Office. By seamlessly integrating team members from different parts of the world, we ensure a smooth and efficient remote design experience. Moreover, this setup has proved invaluable in overcoming the challenges posed by the pandemic and contributing to more effective business management.
We also leverage AI technology to streamline design and branding processes for both TDG and our clients. This strategic employment of AI keeps us aligned with the latest industry and technological trends, reinforcing our commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation.
Looking ahead, what are your key objectives and vision for the growth and success of The Designers Group in the next few years?
At TDG, our mission is to enhance people’s quality of life through the transformative power of design while championing women in the construction field and supporting communities. Our aim is to continue our growth trajectory by diversifying our project portfolio globally and expanding our philanthropic initiatives. Moreover, we are committed to attracting diverse talent who share our vision of making positive change. This embodies our belief that design can be a powerful medium for meaningful transformation and improvement in the lives of individuals and communities alike.
Please visit: https://www.thedesignersgroup.com/
