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What best practice looks like with Programa

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Programa
Programa
Updated: 16 May 2025

Welcome to Programa’s comprehensive guide, where we break down the essentials of using our platform to streamline your design workflow. Here, we summarize the key features and benefits of Programa to help you get started and maximize your design practice.

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Programa was launched in 2021 to address the unique workflow challenges faced by interior designers. With a global user base in over 85 countries, our platform is built to support designers in managing their projects more effectively. Our team, based in the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and training.

Getting Started Dashboard

When logging into Programa, you’ll land on the “Getting Started” dashboard. This dashboard is designed to guide you through the initial steps of setting up your account and understanding the platform. Key activities include:

Creating Your First Project: Begin by setting up a demo schedule to familiarize yourself with the interface.

Adding Content: Start specifying products and utilizing the Web Clipper for easy data import.

Utilizing Resources: Explore our detailed guides and help center for a deeper understanding of each feature.

Schedules

Schedules are a core component of Programa, allowing you to centralize all project data. Key benefits include:

  • Flexible Layouts: Customize Schedules by category or room.
  • Comprehensive Views: Access summary, financial, and detailed views of your schedules.
  • Procurement Tracking: Monitor logistics, order deadlines, and payment dates.
  • Product Approvals: Reduce all back and forth with clients,
  • PDF and Online Sharing: Export schedules as PDFs or share them via a live web link for real-time updates.
Programa demo
Programa Schedule

Client Dashboard

The Client Dashboard provides a centralized location for clients to review project information. Features include:

  • Branded Experience: Customize the dashboard with your studio’s branding.
  • Approval and Feedback: Clients can approve items and leave comments directly in the dashboard.
  • Real-Time Updates: Ensure clients always have access to the most current project details.
Programa demo
Programa Client Dashboard

Web Clipper

The Web Clipper is an essential tool for importing product information directly from supplier websites. Benefits include:

  • Quick Data Capture: Clip images, product details, and attachments with ease.
  • Efficiency: Save time by directly importing data without manual entry.
  • Consistency: Ensure all product details are accurately captured and stored in your Schedules.
Programa demo
Programa Web Clipper

Pinboards

Pinboards are a simple online presentation tool for collating images and concepts. Benefits include:

  • Easy Integration: Import content from your image library, web clipper, or direct uploads.
  • Presentation Modes: View pinboards in detailed or presentation modes for different contexts.
  • Client Sharing: Share pinboards with clients via a live link or through the client dashboard.
Programa mood board
Programa Pinboards

Project Management

Programa’s project management tools help you keep track of tasks and deadlines. Key features include:

Kanban Boards: Use columns for to-do, doing, in review, and done to manage task progress.

Time Tracking: Track time spent on tasks directly within the platform.

StudioWhip: Get a universal view of all tasks and deadlines across projects.

Programa Project management
Programa Project Management

Invoicing

Programa’s invoicing system helps you manage project finances efficiently. Key features include:

Integration with Bookkeeping Software: Programa integrates with Stripe, Xero and QuickBooks.

Creating Invoices: Create invoices by pulling products directly from your schedules and adding time-tracking data.

Customizable Items: Add custom line items to invoices for more detailed billing.

Syncing with Time Entries: Time entries from the time tracking tool can be added to invoices, ensuring accurate billing for hours worked.

By leveraging Programa’s invoicing system, designers can streamline their financial management and ensure accurate, timely billing for their projects.

Programa Invoices
Programa Invoices

Address Book

The Address Book centralizes all your contacts, including suppliers, clients, and other stakeholders. Benefits include:

Organized Contacts: Keep all contact information in one place.

Tagging System: Use tags to categorize contacts for easy filtering and retrieval.

Programa Address book
Programa Address book

Trade Portal

The Trade Portal is a curated marketplace for sourcing and specifying products from leading brands - available exclusively to designers in Australia and New Zealand, with a U.S. launch coming soon.

  • Save time: Source and specify products effortlessly with powerful search, preloaded specs, and personalised recommendations.
  • Stay inspired: Browse curated collections, discover trending products, and explore by category - from lighting to furniture, art, and fixtures.
  • Simplify collaboration: Share selections with clients, streamline procurement, and send products directly into your Schedules - no spreadsheets needed
Programa Trade Portal
Programa Trade Portal
Have more questions? Chat with our team to get your questions answered live.
Table of contents
  1. What is a Spec Sheet?
  2. The Power of Programa
  3. Flexible Design Features
  4. Ease of Use
  5. Cost Savings
  6. Increased Productivity
  7. Support for ASID (American Society for Interior Design) members
    1. 28 November 2024
    2. 27 November 2024
    3. 26 November 2024
    4. 20 November 2024
    5. 19 November 2024
    6. Fixed Image Layouts
    7. Web Clipper Scraper
    8. Hyperlinked URLs
    9. Improved Notes Visibility in Presentation Mode
    10. Pinboards & Client Dashboard Integration
    11. Interior Design Software For Professional Interior Designers
    12. 19 December 2024
    13. 17 December 2024
    14. 10 December 2024
    15. 09 December 2024
    16. 03 December 2024
  8. Streamlining the A&D industry – it’s about time.
  9. Recognized for Excellence in Design Software.
    1. Based in Sydney, YSG is a multi-disciplinary practice trailblazing architectural builds and interior design across the residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors. The studio charges spaces with atmospheric potency, staging, and storytelling driving their narrative process. With bold concepts and resourceful details, YSG's projects hopefully stir the soul and spark an emotive drive to feel one's best self within them.
  10. Programa Invoices
    1. Information about how Programa uses Cookies
    2. What are cookies?
    3. How do we use cookies?
    4. Strictly Necessary Cookies
    5. Optional Cookies
    6. Options for managing cookies and interest-based ads
    7. Updates to this Policy
    8. How to contact us
    9. Information about the Programa Payments Service
    10. The Programa Payments Service
    11. Getting or Activating a Payments Services Account
    12. Processing Transactions and Receiving Your Funds
    13. <strong>Termination and Other General Legal Terms</strong>
    14. <strong>Contact Support</strong>
    15. Information about how Programa handles your data
    16. Introduction
    17. Our Values<br />
    18. Why we process your information
    19. <br />Your rights over your information
    20. Where we transfer your information
    21. How long do we retain your information
    22. Our use of advanced technologies
    23. How we protect your information
    24. How we use “cookies” and other tracking technologies
    25. How you can reach us
    26. Types of data we collect and process
    27. What Personal Data we receive
    28. Retention
    29. Our purpose for using your personal data
    30. Disclosing your personal data<br />
    31. Changes to this Privacy Policy
    32. Additional Privacy Information for Brands & Suppliers<br />
    33. When and why we share your information with others
    34. Your rights over your information
    35. How long we retain your information
    36. Your customers’ information
    37. Additional Information about how we process data globally
    38. Processing data globally to fulfil our service obligations
    39. United States Regional Privacy Notice
    40. What information we collect and share about you
    41. Why we collect and share your Personal Information
    42. Sources of Personal Information
    43. How long we keep your information
    44. Interior Design & Architecture Software For Professional Interior Designers & Architects
    45. How are you using Programa?
    46. What challenges did the platform help overcome in a recent project?
    47. Designed for Designers
    48. Dedicated In-House Design Team
    49. A Commitment to Progress and Trust
    50. Discover the New Outdoor Range
    51. Start Sourcing GlobeWest Today
    52. With Programa’s Client Dashboard, you can:
    53. Minimalise Misunderstandings, Maximalise Results
    54. Shared Schedules and Integration with Client Dashboard
    55. Collaboration between Designers and Clients
  11. <strong>Principles for when you use the Services</strong>
  12. <strong>Implications for violating the User Guidelines</strong>
  13. <strong>Dangerous Content</strong>
  14. <strong>Deceptive Content</strong>
  15. <strong>Sensitive Content</strong>
  16. <strong>Illegal Content</strong>
    1. Trends You Can’t Ignore in 2025
    2. What is an Interior Design Quotation?
    3. Key Components of an Interior Design Quotation
    4. Interior Design Quotation Format and Free Template
    5. How Do You Create an Interior Design Quotation Quickly & Easily?
    6. Beyond the Proposal: Invoicing with Programa
    7. Start Your Project Proposals with Programa
    8. Why Time Tracking is Essential for Interior Designers
    9. How to Use Programa for Effective Time Tracking
    10. Tips for Maximizing Your Time Tracking Efforts
    11. Recognising the Impact of Mood Boards in Design
    12. Elevate Your Mood Board Creation and Collaboration
    13. Leveraging Programa’s Pinboards Throughout the Project
  17. Discover the future of sourcing and specification within Programa
  18. The marketplace made for designers and suppliers
  19. What’s new. Trade Portal 2.0?
    1. Sleek new look and feel
    2. Find exactly what you need
    3. Recommendations, category and brand highlights
    4. Tailored to your needs
  20. Why designers love this
    1. Start using Trade Portal 2.0
      1. Support
  21. About Tom Mark Henry: Studio Origins and Philosophy<br />
  22. How Tom Mark Henry uses Programa
    1. Programa Interior Design Software: A Comprehensive Project Management and Collaboration Solution for Architects and Interior Designers
    2. User-friendly Interface and Tools for Seamless Project Management
    3. <strong>Small-Batch Ceramics With Lasting Impact</strong>
    4. &nbsp;
    5. <strong>Artisanal Craftsmanship and Timeless Techniques</strong>
    6. Design Philosophy Rooted in Simplicity and Harmony
    7. The Studio Enti Way
  23. Offering Virtual Consultations and Collaborating with Others in the Industry
  24. Showcasing a Diverse Portfolio and Staying Ahead with Future Trends in Client Engagement Strategies
  25. Embracing the Evolution of Marketing for Interior Designers in 2025 and Beyond!
    1. The Issue
    2. The Result
    3. The Solution
    4. Get Started Today
    5. <strong>How It Works</strong>
    6. <strong>Why It Matters</strong>
    7. <strong>Your New Shortcut for Smart Scheduling</strong>
    8. Tablet-friendly update
  26. The Importance of a Strong Digital Presence
  27. Leveraging Social Media Engagement
  28. Implementing SEO Optimization Techniques
    1. Getting Started Dashboard
    2. Schedules
    3. Client Dashboard
    4. Web Clipper
    5. Pinboards
    6. Project Management
    7. Invoicing
    8. Address Book
    9. Trade Portal
  29. How to Connect with Your Ideal Clients
  30. Choosing the Right Marketing Channels
  31. How to Differentiate Yourself
  32. Leveraging Relationships to Stand Out
    1. Welcome Back!
    2. 06 January 2025
    3. Information about the Programa Terms of Service
      1. 1. Account Terms
      2. 2. Account Activation
      3. 3. Programa Rights
      4. 4. Your Responsibilities
      5. 5. Payment of Fees and Taxes
      6. 6. Confidentiality
      7. 7. Limitation of Liability and Indemnification
      8. 8. Intellectual Property and Your Materials
      9. 9. Additional Services - Programa In App Communication Tools<br />
      10. 10. Third Party Services and Integrations
      11. 11. Beta Services
      12. 12. Feedback and Reviews
      13. 13. Takedown Procedure
      14. 14. Privacy and Data Protection
      15. 15. Programa Contracting Party
      16. 16. Term and Termination
      17. 17. Modifications
      18. 18. General Conditions
    4. Master your time, profits, and creative vision with Programa
    5. Why attend this US focused Programa webinar?
    6. Template mastery: your secret weapon for scalability
    7. How to create your project management ecosystem
    8. Packaged design service: Transform how clients see your value
    9. The power of a Product Library
    10. Project template showcase: the design package
    11. Programa: Powerful tools
  33. What inspires your work, and how do you stay creatively motivated?
  34. What have been some of your favorite collaborations with big brands, and how did those partnerships come about?
  35. How did you land these partnerships - was it outreach, or did they come to you?
  36. As someone who is active on Instagram, how do you balance showcasing your work with building authentic connections with your audience?
  37. What has been the biggest challenge in marketing yourself, and how did you overcome it?
  38. You mentioned making content that's easy to produce - could you give an example of what that looks like in practice?
  39. If you had to name one type of content that's been easiest to stay consistent with, what would that be?
  40. What advice would you give to interior designers who are just starting out in marketing their businesses?
  41. What's next for your business? Are there any exciting projects or collaborations on the horizon?
    1. Challenges Faced by Designers in Procurement
    2. How designers can use Procurement Hub
    3. Built by and for designers
Reading: What Best Practice Looks Like with Programa, Demo on Demand
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Try Programa for free with a 7 day trial

Join the world’s best studios

Programa offers interior designers a comprehensive platform to streamline their workflows and enhance project management efficiency. With features like customizable schedules, a client dashboard, web clipper for product imports, and real-time collaboration tools, Programa is designed to simplify the design process. The platform also includes tools for task management, invoicing, and client approvals, providing designers with everything they need in one place. From creating your first project to advanced invoicing and time tracking, Programa supports your business at every step. Get started with Programa and maximize the efficiency of your design practice.