Design Evolution
I’ve just returned from an extraordinary conference, The International Surface Event, or “TISE”. You might be wondering why I’m sharing insights from a conference. Well, remember that my guiding word for this year is “Evolving.” This conference offers an interactive experience for evolving your design expertise through education, opportunity, and networking. Join me on a tour of The International Surface Event 2024.
Evolving your design expertise: Opportunity
TISE stands out as a unique blend of products, education, and live demonstrations. Nothing is more crucial than gaining a deep understanding of how materials are produced and installed. This knowledge enhances your value to both your clients and your construction team.
Evolving your design expertise: Education
Women’s Leadership Conference
TISE offers an exceptional mix of Industry Insights and thought-provoking seminars. One of the highlights was my role as the opening speaker at the Women’s Leadership Conference, I presented “The Secret Sauce of Networking”. We explored the power of cultivating personal and professional connections. These connections can evolve into successful business relationships. The conference sessions showcased the knowledge, experience, and influence of women in our industry, and I was deeply honored to be part of it.
Pulse Seminars
Next, I had the privilege of addressing diverse segments of the surface industry at the Pulse Seminars. My audience included retail, wholesale, manufacturing, and the design community. My presentation, “Managing Difficult Clients for Positive Outcomes,” explored the nuances of different personality types and how our reactions can impact various situations.
Additionally, I moderated a captivating conversation with Rachel Moriarty of Rachel Moriarty Interiors in San Diego, California. Renowned for her fearless and bold use of color in designs, Rachel took us on a mesmerizing journey through the enchanting world of color.

Evolving your design expertise: Show Floor Tour
On a Wednesday afternoon, I led a group of 25 industry professionals on a tour of the show. We focused on Kitchen and Bath products. Our stops included Arizona Tile, Protect All Floor Covering, Diamond Surfaces, Cameron Studio LED, and Riva Spain Flooring.
Each booth showcased unique materials and inspirations for any designer’s project. Sharing my insights on these products was a pleasure. I witnessed the professional connections and networking opportunities this tour provided. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this tour a resounding success.

TISE Show Floor Tour
Evolving your design expertise: Networking
The International Surfaces Event (TISE) 2024 offered an exceptional opportunity for design professionals to elevate their knowledge and expertise. The combination of educational presentations, immersive demonstrations, and valuable networking opportunities at TISE is unparalleled. As we embrace the evolving world of design, events like TISE are indispensable for staying at the forefront of the industry.
For designers and industry professionals alike, make sure to mark your calendar for the next TISE event. It’s a must-attend experience for those aiming to enhance their skills and broaden their horizons in the dynamic realm of surfaces and design.
If you want to evolve your design expertise with a conference that checks all of the boxes, mark your calendar for the next TISE event.

Sharon L. Sherman, ASID, NCIDQ, CID, CKD
ABOUT SHARON.
Sharon is the founder of Thyme and Place Design, headquartered in Wyckoff, New Jersey. She’s been practicing kitchen and bath design for the past 40 years and is a Past President of the American Society of Interior Designers – New Jersey chapter. She is a current member of the editorial board of KBB Magazine, the official magazine of the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Sharon has also received a Kitchen Bath Design News 2022 Innovator of the Year Award and was a Praiseworthy Pick by Kitchen Bath & Business Magazine.
Her award-winning designs and editorial comments have been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, Design Milk, Furniture Lighting and Decor, Designers Today, Bergen NJ magazine, Kitchen & Bath Design News, Woman’s Day, Country Decorating, Design NJ, New Jersey Home Magazine, 201 Magazine, The Best of Bergen, Savvy Living, The Vue, The Record, The Star-Ledger, and Aspire as well as several books.
Her blog “Tips from the Trade” has been posted by Design NJ, KBBonline, and Take5. She has also appeared on HGTV’s My Big Amazing Renovation and episodes of House Smarts with Lou Manfredini. Sharon was a featured speaker for *Voices From The Industry* at the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s international convention and The International Surfaces Event and is available for further speaking engagements nationwide on all topics related to the world of Kitchen and Bath design as well as running a successful kitchen and bath design business. She is also a CEU provider for IDCEC and The NKBA.

