Trying to generate creative product designs on the spot can be difficult for many reasons, unless you know where to look for inspiration. Whether you’re a furniture, fixture or lighting designer like we are, or a graphic designer, artist or any other creative professional, it’s important to have a portfolio of inspirational ideas applicable to whatever situation you’re in. This approach has helped Ideoli create innovative designs. So give it a try yourself, and see how much it helps to draw from sources of inspiration. 1. Consult with Clients We work with some of the most forward-thinking people and companies in the world. They have vision and inspiration from all over and want to translate that into products that enhance their selling spaces. So rather than trying to force our preconceived ideas onto them, we feed off of their visions to collaborate and create new, complementary ideas that help make their visions a reality. 2. Search Social Media Social networks, particularly visual platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram, offer a wealth of inspiration. To stimulate your creative juices, take a look at design boards, beautiful photography and videography, and even comment threads on sites like Reddit. Doing so helps us spot trends and keep up to date with people’s ever-changing likes and dislikes. 3. Travel While social media helps you see the world on a screen, seeing new places in person gives you new perspectives that help you discover new ideas. We travel the world to meet with clients and partners, and when we see the architecture, landscapes and culture of these places, they take hold in our minds and influences our designs. Also, sometimes the simplicity in the downtime when traveling from one location to another is a great opportunity for creative thinking. 4. Explore Nature The world holds astonishing beauty, so getting in touch with nature can help you shape new design ideas. Not only does it help inspire grand visions, but it helps on a practical level, because designs might need to take into account the local environment and climate. Similarly, as the seasons change, each has its own influence in terms of color, type, structure, durability and style. 5. Drink Up Consuming some fun beverages, like beer and coffee, while socializing tends to help you think outside the box. Sometimes you might not even be thinking about design, but the different atmosphere can make an idea pop into your head. Or you can specifically have brainstorming sessions over beer or coffee to make them more productive, and as you relax or perk up, you’ll start to approach ideas in a different light. In fact, that’s how we came up with our company’s name—Ideoli— and several other great ideas that followed. These approaches have helped Ideoli create innovative designs, so give them a try yourself and see how much it helps to have sources of inspiration to draw from.
When working with clients and partners, we all want our projects to be successful, which includes having everything run smoothly and in a timely fashion. Great communication is key to making this happen and sustaining strong relationships. Great communication for us at Ideoli isn’t just a cliché. Specifically, it helps in business and in building and strengthening powerful relationships in these four ways: 1. Avoiding Unnecessary Mistakes There are usually a few, if not several, parties involved in the management and operation of a project. Sometimes the different parties in have different views and understandings of what’s happening or what was said. For example, a client might ask for big statement pieces in its spaces, picturing bold colors, bright lights and specific materials. However, we may interpret that to mean physically large fixtures. So rather than slowing the process by going ahead with what we think we comprehend and getting it wrong, we find it far better to keep open lines of clear communication so that we understand one another, and we avoid mistakes. The best way to do this is to request inspiration photos, renderings, samples and reference points, and to maintain open discussion. 2. Preserving Project Scope Similar to how great communication helps avoid mistakes, it helps to preserve the scope of a project. We always strive to deliver what the client wants, so great communication helps ensure that if the product the client envisions does not fit within the scope of the budget or timeline, then we can find a way to still make the project work. Sometimes we need to make sacrifices to preserve the original scope, or in the event that the client wants to shift the scope, open communication ensures that the finished product properly lines up with everyone’s expectations. 3. Satisfying Clients A lot of companies say that client satisfaction is their top priority, but, not everyone literally talks the talk. Ideoli prides itself on being fanatically open and honest with our clients about every detail and step of the manufacturing process. We constantly remind ourselves that if we complete a project and our client is not 100% satisfied, then we have not done our job properly. Clear communication ensures that we get to that point of 100% satisfaction. 4. Everyone Winning When we communicate well with clients and partners, we are ensuring our own success alongside their satisfaction. By avoiding mistakes and admitting to mistakes when they do inevitably happen, we do not waste costs and time. So great communication creates a positive cycle in which everyone wins. Communication is at the core of Ideoli’s work, from designing, to implementing, to putting a smile on our partners’ faces! Facebook-f Linkedin-in Tumblr Envelope
We live in a digital age of unprecedented connectivity, which has made everything from communicating across the globe to shipping packages from one continent to another significantly easier. However, even though speeds are faster, shipping to international destinations still comes with some important considerations. With our global network of suppliers, partners and clients, we constantly need to ship furniture, fixtures and lighting products around the world. As such, we’ve learned the following four key lessons along the way about what to prepare for when shipping to international destinations: 1. Time of Year Shipping prices, timeline and speed vary drastically based on the time of year. For example, shipping during high-volume periods like the major domestic and international holidays can affect your shipment in a variety of ways. Often, these periods cause major delays and limited options for shipping. Customs are often closed for business during national holidays and a long backlog can be created quickly. It’s important to have open communication and plan several months in advance about what’s needed and what’s feasible so that products get to their final destinations on time. 2. Air vs. Ocean Ground shipping is always utilized when shipping within a specific country. But getting it to that country always requires shipments via air or ocean, which come with several different pricing and timing options. Air freight is quicker but more expensive, considering that a cargo ship can carry more in terms of both volume and weight. When working on a project with clients, we develop a plan that accounts for these factors so that clients can stay on budget and on time. In the event something changes such as a deadline, we can try to change the shipping method to accommodate the new factors if we have enough notice. Ultimately, it is up to the client to direct us on when they need their orders; then we can plan accordingly. 3. Duties, Taxes and Customs Taxes and duties have no standard formula and have so many variables across several factors. It is important to work closely with a manufacturer that understands the freight landscape and can guarantee the proper delivery to the warehouse or location specified. Ideoli ships to over 20 countries around the world, each having their own rates, policies and customs. Like with shipping options, we help our clients account for duties, taxes and customs so that legal authorities around the world do not put projects over budget … or on hold. 4. Packaging Lastly, clients need to consider how products are packaged for international transport. The size and delicateness of the items will affect their packaging, and they may need different packaging to fit efficiently in a container vs. a plane. Ideoli works closely with our partners around the world to ensure our products are packaged in a way that safely gets the items to their international destinations. It’s better to go the extra mile with packaging than have a product like a custom mirror travel thousands of miles only to wind up at its destination cracked. Ideoli has a dedicated freight team that specializes in this for our clients. Thinking about these four factors will help ensure that our international array of products arrive at your space without surprises along the way. Facebook-f Linkedin-in Tumblr Envelope
Ideoli works with a wide variety of clients and partners from all around the world, across many industries, each with its own product needs and customization requests. Yet throughout our work, certain recurring questions tend to come up when we start the exciting process of launching a new project with a client or potential partner. Take a look at our compilation of the top six questions Ideoli gets from clients when starting a new project, and our answers, so that you can get a better understanding of what it’s like to work with us: 1. Will you help us design our product? Absolutely! At your choosing, we can get involved with design during any step from ideation to implementation. We particularly love being integrated into the very beginning stages of a new product design process and have a solid team of designers and engineers that can collaborate with you to help take your vision (or doodle on a napkin) and start making it a reality– whether it’s in the lighting, fixture or furnishing space. 2. Can I receive a sample before placing the full order? Definitely! You wouldn’t want to go to an ice cream shop that doesn’t let you try flavors first, so why should you have less control over a larger purchase like furnishings, fixtures and lighting for your stores? Prototyping is a vital part of our creative process of producing a custom product. First, we work closely with you to develop the exact renderings of the product you need for your space, and we then develop a prototype, so you can get a functioning sample in your hands in just a matter of weeks. And don’t feel like you’re limited to just one! The sampling process often takes a couple of rounds for a client to come to a final decision on placing a full order. 3. What makes your products better than the rest? Because they are yours too, not just ours! Our products are designed, engineered and delivered with you in mind, since we work together during the entire process. That integration means you don’t have to settle on quality or aesthetics from a product list that does not match what you truly want. Instead, Ideoli provides a product tailored to your exact requirements. 4. Is this the best price you can offer on the quote? Yes, and the good news is that we can provide several pricing options for you to consider, without dealing with the back-and-forth game associated with the quotation process. We compute pricing on a per-project basis; once we find out what’s needed in terms of detailed specifications, lead time, shipping, quantity levels and overall expectations, we factor these in to determine the final price for your final consideration. 5. Can I get an earlier delivery date? Sure! As long as we can plan for it, we can make it happen. Whenever you are developing a custom product with us, we recommend engaging with us at least 75 days in advance of the required delivery date. In many instances, clients need products sooner, so in those cases, we then explore expedited options, such as using air freight. Proper planning and communication between us and clients make everything run in a timely fashion to the satisfaction of all. 6. Is there a warranty on your products? Of course! We stand behind our warranties, which vary based on the product, application and environment. In some cases, we even customize warranties for specific products or applications. Just talk to us, and we can make it happen. With these six questions and answers, hopefully you have a good understanding of what it’s like to work with us and are eager to get started on your own customized project with us. Have any more questions? Let us know! Email us at invigorate(at)ideoli.com.
Rising from the desert in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are two incredible cities—Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Dubai in particular is known around the world for having world class skyscrapers, and when you’re there walking the streets, you can’t help but look up and be impressed with the development. Although there’s been some talk that the country’s economy is slowing down, there are still many hospitality and retail projects going on, which is what brought Ideoli to UAE. Ideoli’s Co-Founder George Stroumboulis hit the road again, this time sweating it out in UAE to support the expansion of an international restaurant chain. Take a look at the highlights from the trip. Wherever Ideoli’s international clients go, we’re right there with them around the world, supporting them with the right lighting, furniture and fixturing, that is customized to local market needs. So when one of our clients, an international restaurant chain, wanted to expand across the UAE, we made the journey and beat the heat to support it. Our trip included going to the Abu Dhabi port to receive an order for our client, making sure that everything was correct and in good shape before taking it to Dubai. This level of oversight demonstrates our commitment to quality. Rather than just shipping off our products and calling it a day, we actually get involved with every step of the process, from ideation to implementation, and will help our clients with on-site installations if they wish. We’re truly excited to be working in the UAE with our partners there and are very eager for what the future holds for our work together in the broader Middle East region.
Traveling for work allows Ideoli to develop strong business relationships, but to learn about the cultures in the different countries we visit, inspiring us in our design, drive and overall mission. So our founders, George Stroumboulis and Chris Hartswick, got together with our content team to share their insights from their trips around the world. Did you go to China for its manufacturing prowess?: George Stroumboulis, CEO, Ideoli: China is the manufacturing center of the world, so we knew we wanted to have a presence there. Not only are the production quality and quantity amazing and something we want to be a part of, but also seeing such a huge, advanced metropolis like Shanghai made a lasting impression on us in terms of the capabilities of transforming spaces. We have an office here and travel throughout the country monthly, and are exposed to many elements. How does the manufacturing industry in Vietnam compareto China? Chris Hartswick, CPO, Ideoli: Vietnam is a growing player in the manufacturing industry. Vietnam is not at the scale of China, but we met so many people there with vast manufacturing experience and made great partnerships with them. The country has a young labor force full of fresh, creative ideas, and it’s a beautiful country that inspired some new design ideas for us as well. Malaysia seems to be lesser-known as a manufacturing market. What did you learn there? George: Malaysia is a leader in the furniture manufacturing industry, despite being a relatively small country. And the country has strong laws that help provide a good standard of living for local manufacturing employees, so that inspired us to strive to be a part of something that lifts the condition of others. We want to partner with others who share this belief, both in our manufacturing work and in our philanthropic work What did you find in Germany other than great cars and beer? Chris: Germany sets the standard for manufacturing excellence. Two ofthe biggest concerns in manufacturing are the quality of the product and making sure you can deliver the product on time. Seeing the efficiency and quality of German manufacturing up close left a lasting impression on us, proving that it is entirely possible to achieve both without cutting corners. Plus, Germany is a central hub in Europe and has some of the top trade shows in the industry, so we learned a lot about the region’s top techniques and trends. To those in the U.S., Mexico is better known than many of the other countries you’ve visited. Did you still have a lot of new experiences there that inspired you? George: Absolutely. Mexico has advanced manufacturing capabilities that inspire our commitment to quality, and seeing locals’ incredible design flair in person left a mark on us. With its close proximity to the U.S., beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture, Mexico will continue to be an important market for Ideoli. “We’re lucky to have the opportunity to travel around the world and to have learned so much from all the countries we’ve visited,” says Chris. “We can’t wait to go back to these places, as well as visit even more countries, as we seek inspiration to move Ideoli forward.” Facebook-f Linkedin-in Tumblr Envelope
Ideoli—the invigorators of spaces—has a strong following of supporters and fans around the world, not only for its incredible lighting, fixtures and furnishing products, but also for its corporate swag, like this winter pom-pom beanie. People often ask where they can score one of these cool hats, and now everyone has a chance to win one! We’re spreading our style to many lucky winners, who will receive an Ideoli-branded beanie. Check out the rules and how to win one in this video that we made, or read below to learn how to participate. To win your very own Ideoli-branded beanie, follow these three easy steps: 1. Follow us on any—or all—of our social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn 2.Take a photo of something that inspires you, and then tag ideoli’s account along with the hashtag #ideolibeanie in that picture. The photo can be of anything from a product to a person to a concept. Get creative! 3. After you follow us and tag us in your photo, send us an email at invigorate(at)ideoli.com with your name and full mailing address. If you are selected as a winner, we will ship you your free Ideoli beanie and you can feel like a champ wearing it. We will then ask you to send us a recorded message while rocking the Ideoli beanie to be a part of our international social video showing all our supporters around the world. Details of the video recording will be shared with those lucky winners. Get started today by following those three easy steps above.
We love to have fun with our clients, and it’s even better when we can help those in need at the same time. That’s why we’re honored to have been a co-sponsor for Tilly’s 10th annual golf tournament benefitting Tilly’s Life Center, which focuses on youth empowerment. We hit the range again, teaming up with our client Tilly’s to sponsor their annual charity golf tournament, which had a circus theme this year. The event took place on May 1st, 2017, at Mission Viejo Country Club in California. Visit their site to learn more about Tilly’s Life Center! In addition to helping our clients invigorate their spaces, we also like to help support their goals outside of business. That’s why we once again sponsored our client Tilly’s charity golf tournament and party. Aside from great golf, food and drinks, the event had everything from clowns to contortionists, which was a fun twist. The event sold out in record time, and best of all, the entire proceeds went directly to Tilly’s Life Center. This non-profit empowers teens to develop a more positive mindset and helps them gain a better handle on how to face crises, adversity and tough decisions. Its mission is “to inspire today’s youth to reach their full potential as productive, kind, happy, and responsible individuals.” We love to form strong bonds with our clients and extend that relationship outside of work to support philanthropic efforts.
To produce world-class products in terms of both efficiency and quality, Ideoli searches the planet far and wide for the best partners that can help us best serve client. As such, Ideoli’s team, led by Co-Founders George Stroumboulis and Chris Hartswick, travel all over the world to form key relationships and establish operations. These travels extend beyond what have traditionally been the dominant manufacturing markets such as China to include other countries like Indonesia that are increasingly becoming major players in the global manufacturing industry. With a population of over 260 million people, Indonesia is the fourth largest country in the world. In addition to being a beautiful country, Indonesia has a growing manufacturing expertise, particularly in its capital of Jakarta. The city is centrally located within the large country, and it’s a major hub for commerce and finance in the region, and ideoli sees the area as key to our success. “Jakarta is known in the manufacturing world for having a skilled labor force, quality factories and a positive outlook. Having done extensive research into new markets, we are very excited to expand our discussions with new partners and suppliers here,” says Chris Hartswick, Ideoli’s Chief Product Officer. With significant new agreements in place, Ideoli is excited to work more with our partners in Indonesia to expand our world-class product offerings.
While low iron in the human body is something to be concerned about, low iron glass is often desired, because it provides more of a crystal-clear look than regular glass. Glass primarily comes from silica sand, which is heated into a liquid and then turns into glass when it cools. As a result of the iron in silica, glass can have a greenish tint to it, which is more noticeable on thicker pieces. While this tint is not always that obvious nor unwanted—iron could even be added to create a different look—some people want glass that is exceptionally clear, such as for a display case or a mirror. In order to achieve this clarity, some glass is made from silica that has been processed in a way that reduces iron levels. Thus, low iron glass comes from low iron silica, and the absence of iron creates greater clarity. Ideoli manufactures both low-iron glass and regular-iron glass products, so our clients can choose what works best for their specific design and budget parameters. Understanding the difference between low iron and regular iron can help clients select the perfect product, and ideoli is there to procure and manufacture custom glass products to meet its clients’ needs. Facebook-f Linkedin-in Tumblr Envelope
What Malaysia, lacks in size, it makes up for in manufacturing prowess. So Ideoli’s founders, George Stroumboulis and Chris Hartswick, took their first trip—personally and professionally—to Malaysia in order to further expand the company’s manufacturing footprint in Southeast Asia. Ideoli crafted a video highlighting our founders’ trip to Malaysia in order to spread its reach across Southeast Asia and to oversee the production of new orders for international clients. Ideoli is thrilled to expand to Malaysia by establishing promising partnerships for manufacturing. Despite only being the 42nd most populous country in the world, Malaysia is a top-eight market for furniture exporting and aims to be within the top five within five years, so it is a strategic market for Ideoli. “After spending time there and setting up Ideoli’s assembly lines, we are very confident in the long-term potential. When it comes to specific product categories in the interiors space, Malaysia is a leader,” says Chris Hartswick, CPO and Co-Founder. Ideoli is now working with local manufacturers in Malaysia to supply its clients with world-class furniture. One of those partners, Yong, an expert in the furniture manufacturing trade in Malaysia for the past four decades, notes that Malaysia’s strong supply chain, infrastructure and laws that support a good standard of living for local manufacturing workers make Malaysia a great market for this industry. Already, Ideoli has seen first-hand the quality of production in the country. “We have successfully executed large-scale production runs with partner factories in Kuala Lumpur and are extremely pleased with the results,” says George Stroumboulis, CEO and Co-Founder. The future looks bright for Malaysia, and Ideoli is excited to be a part of it. Ideoli looks all across the globe for new markets to best serve its clients, and expanding to Malaysia exemplifies this dedication.
Many people get confused about the difference between ETL and UL certification for electrical products like lighting fixtures, but from the customers’ point of view, there is no difference because both meet the necessary standards for safety compliance. Commercial building codes require lighting to pass all national safety standards by UL. As a manufacturer, you are required to have your products tested to these standards. The two most common labels for this are Intertek and UL which results in the UL and ETL mark. It’s important to note both labs test to the same standards and are equally accepted. That’s because in order to ensure the safety of certain electrical products, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) requires certification from a designated Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), and both Intertek and UL are NRTLs. Any product ETL or UL certified passes required safety standards. So really the only difference is on the manufacturer’s side in terms of which laboratory it wants to use. Ideoli chooses to work with both NRTLs, because they are interchangeable without one having superior standards. In some cases though, clients are more familiar with one certification over the other and request a specific one, and we listen as we strive to make the client happy. In most cases, however, after we explain that they both serve and meet the same purpose, clients are okay with either UL or ETL as the label of choice. Clients can rest assured that Ideoli’s lighting products can be either ETL or UL certified, and they do not have to worry about obtaining both certifications since they meet the same required safety standards. Facebook-f Linkedin-in Tumblr Envelope