Designers Talk Client Relationships At Arizona re:Source

What happens when innovative manufacturers and designers come together in a beautiful locale? Lasting and impactful relationships, for one. Just ask the nearly 80 attendees at Interior Design‘s latest re:Source event in Arizona, which took place September 15-17 at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain.

Kicking off re:Source, ThinkLab‘s Erica Waayenberg, head of research and content development, shared pivotal insights into factors that influence how clients make design decisions. “Decisions around the built environment are taking longer. We wanted to know why,” she notes. From a shift in benchmarks to stakeholders with conflicting priorities, Waayenberg offered a look at data-driven pain points. But it wouldn’t be re:Source without an interactive discussion and attendees were quick to weigh in, offering solutions around transparency in pricing data, how to ease the overall decision process, and more.

Throughout re:Source, attendees participated in informative but brief meetings, exchanging ideas and learning about novel products all while soaking up the Arizona sun. Activities also included desk yoga, a mala bead-making session, as well as an apothecary workshop. Once the sun set, designers and manufacturers were treated to cocktails on the lawn complete with a powerful telescope for a special star gazing experience.

This year, Metropolis launched Metropolis Connect during re:Source, bringing even more creatives into the mix, including architects and architectural product manufacturers. The event, which fosters meaningful connections between brands and top architects, will co-locate with re:Source in Fall 2025 as well. “The quality of the architect attendees was exceptional,” said John Bergstrom, director of business development for Accurate Lock & Hardware. “This group truly consisted of key specifiers who were highly engaged in learning about our products.” The same can be said of all industry attendees who gathered in Arizona for three packed days dedicated to furthering connections—and their craft.

A very special thank you to our re:Source event partners: Accurate Lock & Hardware, Andreu World, Arktura, B+N Industries, Chemetal, Craftmade, Davis Furniture, Expormim, FiberBuilt Umbrellas & Cushions, Four Hands, Fyrn, Garden on the Wall, Haworth, Infinity Drain, Kaswell Flooring Systems, Lutron, Mak Studio, Matter Surfaces, Mizetto, Moroso USA, MPS Acoustics, Nichiha Fiber Cement, Oyster Wellness, Parla Design, Perennials and Sutherland, Pure + FreeForm, Regupol, Rockfon, Sancal, Sloan Valve, Turf, Tuuci, Versteel, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Business to Business, and Yellow Goat Design. The carbon footprint for the event was generously offset by Material Bank.