While you’re at DDB Fall Market next month, make sure to keep an eye out for—and say hi to!—marketing manager Alyssa Abrams, who joined the building in early September.
With an interior designer grandmother and an art dealer mother, Alyssa’s upbringing certainly influenced her love of the design industry. Go Design Go spoke with the newly appointed team member and learned why she feels right at home at the DDB, and what goals she has in mind for the marketing department.
What were the most interesting jobs you held prior to joining the DDB? My most recent role, with a children’s entertainment facility—parents, as consumers, are an interesting bunch! However, my favorite job up until now was at Brides, where I interned and later freelanced. I loved being surrounded by lovely things, and it gave me so much pleasure knowing that my work was going toward making someone’s most special day even more special.
We hear you have some familiarity with the building. Yes! As marketing director Liz Nightingale likes to say, “Design is in my DNA.” My grandmother, Roslyn Blumberg of RSB Interiors, has been a designer on Long Island for almost 50 years, and my mother, Anita Abrams of Accetra Arts, has been an art consultant/dealer to the trade for 25 years. The DDB is a household name.
Why is the DDB the right place for you now? I have an incredible passion for the design industry. Throughout my past experiences, I’ve always managed to keep my finger on the pulse of relevant designers, publications, companies, etc., and now it’s a dream come true to apply my passion to my work.
What are some of the goals you have in mind for the design center? The architectural and design industries are at the forefront of technology. It’s my goal to translate the esteem and grandeur of the DDB to the digital space, offering an equally luxurious experience virtually as you get while traveling from floor to floor.
What about personal goals as marketing manager? My personal goals are to increase our digital presence to reach the designers of tomorrow where they are already looking. I consider it the marketing department’s responsibility to stay relevant to our current designers and attract up-and-comers. I have some ideas I’m excited to explore.
Are there any showrooms you’re particularly excited to be working with? I certainly can’t pick favorites! I feel like a kid in a candy store just walking through these halls. Each and every one has something beautiful and unique to offer.
Which designers and manufacturers do you admire? I really admire Jeff Andrews, so you can imagine how excited I was to learn he will be participating in a keynote panel with Sophie Donelson during my first market. I also have so much respect for Lladró for taking their heritage brand into modernity so successfully. Their showroom is like a whimsical playground—so unexpected.
What makes you most excited about your new role? I am excited to finally break into the industry I was destined for. This role offers me the opportunity to learn so much about the design community and all of its players, and I am honored to be in a position to support them. The DDB is so well respected and I feel really fortunate to be here. I am also so excited to be working with Liz. She is a wealth of knowledge and a true industry expert—I’ve already learned so much!
What is your personal home style like? My personal home style is definitely eclectic, boho glam—picture a gold Moroccan pouf, black fur throw, mirrored nightstand, vintage art…it works. Over the years, I have collected decorative accessories—a story behind each one—which I carefully curated. However, according to my Pinterest “Dream Home” board, my favorite style is Hollywood Regency.