Some of my favorite resources for inspiration and mentorship: Interior Design

Here are the Central Florida resources we lean on for inspiration, sourcing, and mentorship—aka our “design fuel” list.

For day-to-day specifying, we start with trade showrooms that let our clients see/feel materials. In Daytona, the Ferguson network is our go-to when plumbing intersects with lighting decisions: Ferguson (840 Jimmy Ann Dr., Daytona Beach, FL 32117) and Ferguson Kitchen & Bath Gallery (740 Fentress Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114). Call ahead—hours vary, but the teams are knowledgeable and fast. (Ferguson)

Tile and stone: Crossville Studios Orlando is a designer-friendly stop (4000 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32804). Their sample library and technical guidance make complex installs easier. We also source through Bedrosians Tile & Stone’s Orlando location for unique slabs and mosaics (814 W. Church St., Orlando, FL 32805). Florida Tile’s Florida branches and dealer network round out options when we’re value-engineering. (Crossville Studios)

For whole-home finishes at trade pricing, ProSource is clutch—especially when we’re coordinating flooring with cabinets and countertops: ProSource of Daytona Beach (1039 Mason Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32117) and ProSource of Orlando (4426 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32804). Bring your designer account for best pricing and project tracking. (Yelp)

Inspiration days keep our creative tank full. We’ll often pair material runs with art immersion: Arts on Douglas (123 Douglas St., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168) showcases regional artists and thoughtful curation. The Atlantic Center for the Arts campus (1414 Art Center Ave., NSB, FL 32168) hosts residencies and programs that stretch our ideas about space and texture. In Orlando, the Orlando Museum of Art (2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, FL 32803) and the Rollins Museum of Art in Winter Park (1000 Holt Ave – 2765, Winter Park, FL 32789) are our go-tos for color studies, composition, and exhibit-driven mood boards. (Arts on Douglas)

We also love spotlighting local makers. Two frequent muses: The Hub on Canal (132 Canal St., NSB, FL 32168)—studios plus classes, great for discovering emerging talent—and collage artist Derek Gores’ gallery in the Eau Gallie Arts District (1418 Highland Ave., Melbourne, FL 32935). Seeing process up close changes how we develop concepts and custom pieces for clients. (The Hub on Canal)

Mentorship & staying sharp: As lighting specialists, we keep certifications current and knowledge fresh by attending LightFair (North America’s largest lighting event), LEDucation (education-forward, New York), and ArchLIGHT Summit (spec-focused, Dallas). On the building side, we’re at NAHB’s International Builders’ Show (IBS) and Coverings (tile & stone) to track innovations, CEUs, and vendor relationships. If you’re a designer or builder, plan a yearly circuit—you’ll feel the payoff in your specs and schedules. (LightFair)

Why this list works: it blends tactile showrooms (decisions get faster), museum-level inspiration (concepts get stronger), and industry shows (details get smarter). That’s how we deliver spaces that are both beautiful and buildable.