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REESE & CO. DESIGN GROUP

Why Relationships, Not Just Resources, Shape the Homes We Design

By Nina Reese, Founder & Lead Designer of Reese & Co. Design Group

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

  • Three days. 36,000 steps. 0.45 CEUs earned.
  • Dozens of new and strengthened vendor relationships across construction, kitchen and bath, specialty trades, and technology.
  • Strategic investment in systems and software to streamline operations and expand capacity.
  • Clear objective: deepen our bench of trusted partners so every recommendation we make is informed, vetted, and aligned with your Total Life Aesthetic®.
Beyond Booths: Why We Attended KBIS / IBS
Each year, the National Kitchen & Bathroom Association (NKBA) hosts the Kitchen & Bathroom Industry Show (KBIS) along side the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) hosting the International Builder’s Show (IBS) combining two of the most comprehensive gatherings in the residential design and construction industry. We attended for the first time and could not be more grateful for our decision to do so. We did not go to collect trends although we delighted in seeing the ingenuity and evolution of products and design coming down the pipeline. We did not go to marvel at the dazzling exhibit installations although there was inspiration at every turn. We did go to strengthen the infrastructure behind the homes we design. For RCo, travel like this is an investment in discernment. It allows us to evaluate the quality firsthand, ask technical questions directly to manufacturers, and ensure that the partners we bring to our projects are aligned in craftsmanship, responsiveness, and long-term reliability.
Cultivating Relationships That Strengthen the Build
Our focus extended well beyond decorative finishes. We intentionally pursued relationships across the full lifecycle of a custom home not because we plan to expand into construction or architecture but because we respect these partners in the project and appreciate the enhanced collaboration opportunities when we can speak the language and understand the how behind our designs.
These conversations matter. When we can call our vendors and manufacturers directly to confirm load tolerances, customization parameters, or lead times, our projects move with greater clarity and fewer unknowns. Proximity is a component. We intentionally sought Pennsylvania-based and regional vendors where possible to allow for plant tours and personal meetings as well as easy logistics for on site meetings and shipping and installation. Importantly, we sought vendors who serve the trade directly. These vendors understand the workflow of a design firm and support customization, technical clarity, and collaborative problem-solving. We were also intentional about broadening price-point flexibility. While our standard is uncompromising quality, having vetted semi-custom options for secondary spaces allows us to design holistically and prioritize investment where it matters most without sacrificing integrity.

The Power of Direct Access

One of the greatest advantages of trade engagement is access. When we cultivate a direct conduit to manufacturing experts, we gain:
  • Clear insights into production capacity
  • Realistic and current lead times
  • Customization thresholds
  • Technical troubleshooting support
  • Confidence in long-term partnerships
That access translates into better informed specifications and stronger advocacy for our clients.

Collaborating Beyond Vendors

The show floor also provided meaningful conversations with fellow designers, builders, architects, and trade professionals. Sharing experiences, comparing processes, and discussing real-world project challenges strengthens the collective standard of excellence.
Continuing Education & Operational Advancement
Professional growth was not limited to product discovery. Over the course of the show we earned 0.45 continuing education credits with access to many more digital opportunities to grow and learn over the coming months. For the live presentations, we focused on:
  • Streamlining backend processes
  • Communicating design intent clearly to clients and contractors
  • Marketing with integrity and clarity
  • Leveraging artificial intelligence as operating support (never creative replacement)
For RCo, AI is not a design tool but systemic support tool. We are committed to preserving the human, thoughtful, and bespoke nature of creative process while embracing technology that increases efficiency behind the scenes.

Strategic Investment in Systems

Perhaps one of the most impactful outcomes of the week was our decision to invest in a software platform upgrade strongly recommended by peer firms serving a similar client base. The objective is simple:
  • Improve organization
  • Reduce administrative redundancy
  • Increase clarity across projects
  • Reclaim time
Time saved on the backend allows us to accept more projects without compromising the high-touch service our clients expect and deserve!
Why This Matters to our Clients
Traveling, trade shows, and continuing education are not indulgences. They are part of our professional stewardship. At RCo, we may not have every answer at the outset of a project or idea, but our founder has a PhD in figuring it out and we are relentless in pursuing the answers we need to serve our clients. Our clients’ homes deserve partners who are as invested in the process as they are in the outcome. We are committed to building those relationships one conversation, one collaboration and sometimes 36,000 steps at a time.
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