In this inspiring episode, Alexandra sits down with Christine Crawford, Design Manager at Alfred Williams & Company in Nashville and MillerKnoll’s Designer of the Year. Christine shares her journey from an eager design student who did whatever it took to land an internship, to becoming the leader of a design team and the force behind a $15 million project. Her story highlights the power of curiosity, tenacity, and taking bold risks—such as writing a letter to land her dream role.

Through Christine’s perspective, we explore what it means to redefine “perfect,” why dealer design can be a powerful accelerator for young careers, and how collaboration and courage shape long-term success. Whether you’re a student, a young designer, or a seasoned professional, Christine’s journey will leave you with practical wisdom and the confidence to bet on yourself.

Check out Alfred Williams & Company

Connect with Christine Crawford on LinkedIn

Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn

Check out Configura's Experience Conference in Orlando

Explore more from Imagine a Place and OFS

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, designer, author, and Thunder Egg founder Brittney Herrera shares her personal journey through the design industry—from internships and dealership work to leading her own firm. Along the way, she opens up about navigating firm politics, discovering her strengths, and learning how to turn every experience into a stepping stone for growth. Brittney's book Inside the Design Industry quickly became an Amazon best-seller and a must-read for students. This conversation brings her book and it's lessons to life.

Whether you’re a design student, recent graduate, or just starting out in your career, you’ll hear practical advice on networking, mentorship, interviews, and building confidence in an often-intimidating industry. Industry veteran Jeff Carlson from My Resource Library joins the conversation as well—adding some great advice about connecting with others through LinkedIn. This episode is both a guide and an encouragement for anyone ready to find their place in design.

Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn.

Access on-demand training at The Design POP.

Get $75 off CET Experience by using promo code: THEDESIGNPOP75 if you register before September 22, 2025.

In this episode of The Design Pop, Alexandra welcomes Jennifer Evans, VP of Design and Development at Hyphn, formerly BKM. With nearly two decades of experience rising through the same dealership, Jennifer shares her unique journey from project designer to leadership.

She reveals how curiosity, problem-solving, and a passion for process led her upward. They explore how Hyphn's evolution—from rebranding to strategic acquisition—has strengthened its culture and diversified its services to meet the changing demands of today’s workplace.

Jennifer also talks about building strong design teams, empowering designers through live design sessions, incentivizing client engagement, and embracing the "uncomfortable" as a pathway to growth. Throughout this episode, Jennifer shares insights on capacity challenges, industry training gaps, and the mindset shift that's required to lead effectively.

What if the key to elevating dealer design isn't just mastering tools, but learning how to create better conversations?

Subscribe to The Design POP to access POP into Excellence recordings.

Use this link for $75 off Configura's Experience in Orlando. Or use promo code TheDesignPOP75 at checkout.

Follow us on social media to hear more about our upcoming launches on The Design POP. Instagram and LinkedIn.

The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS)

Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn

Follow The Design Pop on LinkedIn