A few weeks ago, after I learned that Tim Schelfe, ASID–of Schelfe and Associates, Raleigh, North Carolina–was chosen to participate in The Nation’s Next Top Model Home competition, I jokingly sent Tim an email saying, “You are a rock star!”  Joking aside, Tim seems to have reached rock star status with this great opportunity as a professional designer competitor on a web-based TV show.

Tim Schelfe, ASID

The Nation’s Next Top Model Home selected 7 ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) designers and gave them 28 days and $5,000 to transform a room in a model home (competitors could spend an additional $5,000 of their own money as well).  Voting then opened to the public for 30 days online (you can still vote!) and the winner will not only win the ultimate rock star designer status but will also win $25,000 for his or her firm.

I sat down virtually with Tim and asked him about his Nation’s Next Top Model Home experience.

GDM:  How were you selected to participate?

TS: An email blast went out to ASID and I filled out the required information, including photos of my work and a headshot of me.  Didn’t think much about it and then two weeks later got a call that I made the top 12 and then the final 7.

GDM:  What made you decide to participate and do you think it will help promote your business?

TS:  Initially I was very skeptical.  I thought, do I have time for this?  But the submission process was very easy to do and I thought “somebody is going to get selected why not me”!  I hoped this would get my name and my firm out to a very large audience.  I also thought it would be a fun competition to be in and a good way to promote professional interior design.  Also, since they were casting ONLY ASID designers I felt they were sending a good message to the public; hire a professional.

GDM:  Were there any pitfalls in participation?

TS: Yes all the designers had to abide by there budgetary rules.  Also the time it took away from my real business and paying clients was huge.

GDM:  What was your favorite part of the competition?

TS: Interacting with the other designers.  For the most part all of the design team got along with each really well.  It was also kind of fun getting use to all the media attention!

GDM:  Have you already seen any results (we realize this is may be a little early/premature)?

TS: I definitely know people have been watching the show because I will walk into a local store and they say “hey aren’t you on that design reality show” and it’s weird that they seem to know me.  It has also expanded my network of colleagues and contacts and provided me an opportunity to re-connect with many past clients and contacts by sending email blasts out to them informing them of the show.

Schelfe and Associates is a Gibson Design Management member so we may be a little biased, but not much as Tim is a great designer and a great guy.  Be sure to cast your vote here for Tim and see the other competitors before September 26th!

Author: Alexandra Gibson

Alexandra is the CEO of Gibson Design Management and Managing Partner of interior design firm, Gibson Design Group. When she's not busy trying to build an empire, you can find Alexandra riding a horse, giving back to the community, playing with her Scottie, McCord, or drinking a martini (preferably not all four at once).

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Tags: ASID, design competition, Gibson Design Management, media, member, Nation's Next Top Model Home, Raleigh, Schelfe and Associates, Tim Schelfe, voting, webisodes