Both Layer and Programa excel at product specification and design workflows, but they serve different levels of technical need. Layer focuses on streamlined field data capture and model integration for internal team use, whereas Programa delivers fully fleshed-out FF&E schedules, complete with detailed specs, images, and cost breakdowns, that can be handed off directly to engineers, builders, or clients without additional formatting.
Layer to Programa
Almost 40% of our users have made the switch to Programa from another platform, and many say they prefer Programa's intuitive and simple design, as well as the overall aesthetic. Our product schedules, pinboards, and client dashboards all have a purposeful design focus, making designers look more professional and presentable with less effort.
Feature Comparison
| Layer | Programa | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $75/mo per user (minimum 5 users) | Subscription-based with a 20% discount off annual memberships See 'Pricing' for details |
| Invoicing | No – Layer has no built-in billing or invoicing module | Includes invoicing and billing functionality, allowing designers to create and send invoices to clients for project fees and product purchases |
| Design Tools | N/A – Layer focuses on field data capture, model linking, and reporting, not creative design tools | Robust design tools including pinboard presentations, product library, visualisation tools and material selection |
| Project Management | Limited – basic field-data workflows; no full project scheduling or Gantt-style views | Advanced project management tools with task dependencies, timelines, and time tracking |
| Client Dashboard | No – Layer is designed for internal team collaboration, without a client-facing portal | Offers a comprehensive client dashboard for real-time project progress tracking and collaboration. With client approval functions |
| Specification Sheets | Moderate – custom fields, collapsible field groups, and conditional formatting for internal specs | Built-in functionality to generate detailed custom specification sheets for materials, furniture, and fixtures. Generated into cloud based links or exported QR codes, PDF and Excel sheets |
| Webclipper | Yes – browser-based field-data/photo clipper to pull site photos and notes straight into your Layer docs | The Webclipper tool is a powerful feature that allows you to easily capture and save product images, details, and specifications directly from manufacturer and retailer websites. With just a click of a button, you can add these resources directly to your Programa product library, FF&E sheets & Pinboards. |
Why Programa is a Better Choice
- Cost-Effectiveness: Spend less time on administrative tasks and more on design.
- Efficiency: Streamline your workflow with our advanced project management tools.
- Collaboration: Enhance client engagement with interactive features.
- Aesthetics: Programa was built by and for interiors designers. With a strong focus on visual appeal and ease of use, tailored specifically to the needs of interior designers. The platform is not only aesthetically pleasing but also efficient, designed to streamline workflows and minimize the time spent on admin tasks. This allows designers to focus more on their core competency - creating beautiful spaces.
Easy Transition
Data Migration:
- Importing existing schedules can save you a vast amount of time and energy manually entering data. Rather than starting from scratch, Programa has built a way for you to translate your existing schedules into a format that our system can upload to your account.
- Easy transfer of your existing Layer data with our Address Book & Schedule data import sheets.
- Simply import your information into our curated documents and we will do the rest!
Training Resources:
- Access to our comprehensive tutorials and live chat support to get you up and running.
FAQs
Programa is a continually evolving platform. We are always seeking to enhance our features and services based on the needs and feedback of our users. Currently, we are heavily focused on expanding our invoicing, budgeting, and reporting tools. We recognize that Houzz offers a robust suite of financial tools, and we are committed to ensuring that Programa is on par with, if not exceeding, this offering. We aim to provide a comprehensive, one-stop solution for all design studio needs, and this includes robust financial management capabilities. Stay tuned for exciting updates and enhancements to these features.
At this stage, our invoicing system only integrates with Xero. However, we are rebuilding our invoicing platform set to roll out 2nd quarter of 2024, and will integrate with Quickbooks online.
There is no mobile app at this stage, however many parts of the platform including studio WIP, To-Do List, Address Book and Product Library are all mobile responsive layouts. All shared documents (e.g. Schedules, Client Dashboard or Pinboards), are all mobile responsive too.
Next Steps
We understand that every design studio's needs are unique, and that's why Programa is built to offer flexibility, efficiency, and enhanced collaboration. We're excited to have you on board and are here to support you every step of the way.
Wherever you are, we’re here to help
Have questions or need assistance? Chat with us today or book a demo with our team of experienced designers.
