We speak to the providers of Programa – specification and project management software
Programa is a tool designed for client and supplier management targeted at interior designers and architects. What does it do, and what is its potential?
One aspect of building a contemporary design practice is knowing what software is available that might help improve your workflow, business development, customer relationships, or marketing. There are new products released every year, often developed by design practitioners looking for a side-step in the industry. Of course, many architecture studios are happy to keep working in a traditional, non-digitally enhanced manner – and that’s absolutely fine – but for those interested in what applications are on the market, Beedier will regularly review the options, talk to the producers and find out what’s on offer.
Programa is one relatively new application that has been popping into our inboxes and socials. It looked interesting, so we spoke to them to find out what it does…
Beedier: In a nutshell, can you give us an overview of Programa’s functionality? What does it do that has not been done in the same way before?
Programa: Essentially, it is a project management and product specification tool for interior designers and architects. Our background is as interior designers ourselves, and we wanted to create an application that streamlined the specification process – from selection, review, to placing orders – in a way that involved the client in a more direct way. Programa allows you to create beautiful online product specifications for an interior project, then share this with your client for review and feedback. This ensures that everyone involved is on the same page, allowing you to exceed your clients’ expectations and create spaces that truly resonate with their vision.
It’s about more than just discussing design concepts; it’s about forging trust, understanding clients’ desires, and addressing their concerns promptly and professionally. Programa recognises the importance of this aspect, offering an intuitive interface that facilitates seamless client collaboration.
Beedier: What has been the experience of developing the Programa product to its current form?
Programa: We had the idea during the pandemic lock-down three years ago. Like others, our interior design work slowed down as site-based projects stalled, so we had some time on our hands. It is an Australian start-up, and our first iterations of Programa were focused on that regional market, but we now have subscribers from more than 5,000 studios in 65 different countries and recently acquired some significant seed investment to develop the platform further. With a larger market to provide for, we try and make the development of Programa as democratic as possible by seeking ideas for new features and gauging which are going to be most desired, and used by our clients.
Beedier: As a tool for product specification, we imagine that your business model must also involve a great deal of liaison with product brands and suppliers? How are you developing this side of your platform?
Programa: Absolutely. To date, Programa has specified more than $850 million in total product value across more than 25,000 active projects. For this to happen successfully, we need a curated eco-system of global products that designers can access, review, and place orders for. So part of our business strategy has been to not only attract designers as subscribers, but also suppliers who recognise the value of being involved with Programa too.
For suppliers the platform is useful, as it gives them access to designer insights from the early stages of specification, real time notifications on quotes, enquiries and purchase orders resulting in a more transparent product sales pipeline. 28% of products entered into a designer’s schedule through Programa are getting ordered in just an average of two weeks.
Beedier: From the perspective of the designer, are there other aspects in the functionality of the platform that can assist with project management, or marketing?
Programa: Project management is an important part of Programa’s functionality. Every project can be assigned team members with project-wide scheduling, with tasks assigned with the status “to do/doing/done/in review/ongoing”. Project Directors can allocate tasks to designers, but individual team members can also have personal to do lists to help them manage their own schedule. In this way in-house resourcing can be tracked like a traditional project management platform.
From a marketing perspective, Programa’s client interface is the real winner. Design concepts can be shared as a presentation – a live link – which client’s love. It makes the process of reviewing product specifications so much more professional and pleasurable. We also have integration with Pinterest, so that design collections can be shared on social media under your company’s branded page.
Beedier: What is the cost of the platform, and what kind of support do you offer your subscribers?
Programa: We have a standard rate of A$39.00 (£20.80) a month for each user, with discounts available for large teams. We also offer a trial period of 1 week to test the product.
Training and high quality support is provided by Programa staff who are in the industry, mostly practicing interior designers themselves. This includes a UK located rep who is available for consultation on any issues. Our online help section includes live chat and video tutorials, and we have a well-read online blog that regularly gives updates on Programa’s development, new features, and case studies.
Our view is that Programa is a very reasonably priced platform, that looks great, feels good to use, and has clearly been developed with the designer, client and supplier in mind. For any architecture studio that is regularly involved with interior design projects and product specification, it would be well worth a trial. Programa offer live demos of the product through scheduled webinars, so if you would like a closer look before committing, sign up for a convenient slot at their website.
