How The Designers Group Uses Construction ERP to Transform Interior Design Projects

At The Designers Group (TDG), we design with purpose, always striving to create a better world through our work. Operating across Toronto, New York, and Miami, we are committed to delivering innovative design solutions that elevate both our creative process and project outcomes. One of the most significant innovations we’ve adopted to enhance our approach is Construction ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), particularly through Zoho’s suite of tools.

By integrating Zoho’s powerful platform into our operations, we’ve been able to streamline project management, improve collaboration, and optimize communication across our offices. The flexibility of Zoho allows us to tailor its features to our unique needs as an interior design firm. From project inception to completion, these tools support our efforts in creating spaces that inspire, elevate, and function flawlessly.

Streamlined Project Management Across Locations

Managing interior design projects across multiple locations comes with its set of challenges. From coordinating teams and suppliers to staying on top of client expectations, it’s essential to have a central system that allows real-time communication and oversight. Zoho Projects has allowed TDG to centralize project data, enabling our teams in Toronto, New York, and Miami to access schedules, budgets, and updates instantly.

For example, during the redesign of a senior living community, we used Zoho Projects to manage timelines, track milestones, and ensure all team members were on the same page. The platform’s centralized dashboard allowed team members in different cities to upload floor plans, approve design changes, and resolve any issues without unnecessary delays. This seamless communication resulted in a 20% reduction in project delays compared to our previous methods, allowing us to deliver the project on time and exceed client expectations.

The task management feature within Zoho Projects has been particularly effective for us, enabling us to assign specific responsibilities across teams, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks. Automated reminders for deadlines have been especially helpful in ensuring that every task is completed on time. For a multi-phase office redesign, overlapping tasks required precise coordination to avoid disruptions. With tools like Gantt charts and detailed reporting, Zoho Projects has helped us maintain control over the project flow, ensuring each phase is completed without sacrificing quality.

Client Relationship Management with Zoho CRM

At TDG, building and maintaining strong relationships with clients is at the core of everything we do. Zoho CRM has played a crucial role in helping us manage client interactions and track project pipelines while delivering highly personalized experiences. The platform allows us to document every client conversation, making sure that no detail is overlooked.

For a recent luxury residential project, Zoho CRM enabled us to keep a detailed record of all client interactions, from initial consultations to ongoing project updates. By having this information readily available, we were able to offer a higher level of service, responding to client needs promptly and accurately. Additionally, the CRM’s workflow automation feature streamlined follow-ups and approval requests, reducing response times and enhancing client satisfaction.

For larger commercial projects, Zoho CRM has provided valuable insights into client behavior and project trends. This data has allowed us to adapt our approach, ensuring that we exceed client expectations. By integrating Zoho CRM with Zoho Projects, we’ve created a unified system that supports both client communication and project alignment at every stage of the design process.

Improved Collaboration Across Teams and Locations

Collaboration is an integral part of our process at TDG. With multiple offices and a global network of contractors, architects, and suppliers, having efficient communication tools is vital. Zoho’s communication tools, including Zoho Cliq and Zoho WorkDrive, have significantly improved how we collaborate across different teams and locations. These tools have allowed us to share information and stay connected with ease, regardless of where our team members are located.

For a recent hospitality project, Zoho WorkDrive became the central hub for sharing design updates, uploading 3D renderings, and facilitating approvals from owners in multiple cities. This centralized platform eliminated miscommunication and sped up decision-making, ensuring that the project stayed on track and moved forward smoothly.

Zoho Cliq, with its instant messaging feature, has proven invaluable in addressing on-site issues. For example, during a retail design project, our field team in Miami used Cliq to share real-time photos of installation challenges with designers in New York. This immediate feedback loop enabled us to resolve problems quickly, avoiding delays and ensuring that the design vision was executed perfectly.

Additionally, Zoho’s tools have allowed us to standardize processes across all our locations. This has been especially important for multi-location clients who expect consistency in quality and communication, regardless of where the project is taking place.

Managing Design Processes with ERP

Managing the intricate steps of the design process can be complex, especially when teams are spread across multiple locations. From initial concept development to material selection and final installation, every stage requires alignment and clear communication. Zoho Projects has helped us manage these processes more effectively, providing a clear roadmap for everyone involved and ensuring that no detail is overlooked.

For a large-scale healthcare facility project, we used Zoho Projects to track each step of the design process. From creating preliminary layouts to finalizing furnishings, every team member was able to update their progress in real time. This transparency helped us avoid delays and ensured that tasks that depended on earlier stages were completed on time. The result was a smoother project delivery and a finished product that met all client specifications.

The Impact of ERP on Our Work

At TDG, Zoho ERP systems have become more than just a tool for project management—they are strategic enablers that empower us to:

  • Deliver projects faster and with greater accuracy
  • Enhance communication and collaboration across teams
  • Stay committed to sustainability and innovation

By tailoring Zoho’s software to our specific needs, we have raised the bar for efficiency and excellence in interior design. These systems help us transform visionary ideas into reality, delivering spaces that are not only beautiful but functional. As we look to the future, we’re excited to continue leveraging ERP technology to redefine what’s possible in our industry, creating environments that inspire and elevate everyday experiences.

Through our partnership with Zoho, TDG has optimized its internal operations, enabling us to deliver projects that are perfectly aligned with our mission of designing with purpose. This technology ensures that we stay ahead of industry trends and continue to create impactful, high-quality work that exceeds client expectations.

Social Media Profiles –
Blima Ehrentreu – LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
The Designers Group  –Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest

Author’s Bio –

Blima Ehrentreu is the Founder and CEO of The Designers Group, a leading interior design firm with offices in New York, Toronto, and Miami. With over 15 years of experience, Blima has led her team in completing 500+ projects across residential, healthcare, hospitality, and commercial sectors. Her innovative approach to design, combined with a strong commitment to community impact, has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as a Crain’s Notable Leader in Real Estate and GlobeSt.com’s 2024 Influencer in Industrial Real Estate. Blima is also a passionate advocate for women in the construction industry and leads several philanthropic initiatives, including TDG Gives Back and the TDG Furniture Exchange.

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