Interior designer Trevor Fulmer has been enjoying a whirlwind of activity in the year or so since we first profiled him. His Boston design firm has been getting lots of local press, including in the Boston Globe, New England Home. Seven times Best of Houzz winner, his kitchen design was highlighted on Houzz.com as Kitchen of the Week, and a recent project will be picked up in a national media outlet in the fall. He partnered with rug and carpeting firm Landry & Arcari on a collection called Foundations, which consists of a dozen ultra-modern rug designs. He’s branching out into video for showcasing project work. And all that is in addition to successfully completing more big projects and continuing to rack up five-star reviews on Houzz.

We’re particularly excited to share that Fulmer also now displays the new “LGBTQ-Owned” badge on his three-person firm’s Houzz profile. Here he discusses how he both supports and draws strength from the gay community, and the benefits of being fearlessly open about his identity.

Distinguishing Factor

Rather than downplaying being a gay designer, Fulmer celebrates it. “I’m not afraid to say who I am,” he says. “I’m not afraid for people to ask.” Being open “gives me the opportunity to express myself and my creativity.” Moreover, his identity acts as a differentiator that helps him stand out to potential clients. That’s one reason he’s happy to display the “LGBTQ-Owned” badge on his Houzz profile.

“I like the idea of differentiating myself from others,” he says. “That could be based on our style, our approach to design, our aesthetic, our process, our client-focused communication, our ability to stick to timelines.Those are all differentiators. To me, being gay, identifying as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, is also a differentiator. Anything that makes us stand apart is a benefit.”

As for any potential clients who might not jibe with Fulmer’s particular differentiators, “I’m not afraid to turn down a project that doesn’t reflect our company values or my personal values,” he says. “If there are any red flags, with a client, a sub or anyone that I’m going to work with on a daily basis, that’s not the right fit for me.”

Plus, the firm’s openness tends to head off uninterested clients at the pass. “Anyone who reaches out to us is going to see that we’re out and proud,” Fulmer says. “I don’t hide who I am on my social media. I do not hide who I am on my website. If someone finds us through a search engine or through another platform they’re going to see that we are open and colorful.”

Support System

Given that Boston is a liberal city, “I know I’m in a bubble,” he says. “I understand that I’m very fortunate. There are places where I would not be able to walk down the street holding my husband’s hand, or I would not be able to express who I am as a designer.”

For those who live in less liberal places, Fulmer offers this: “Surround yourself with people who appreciate and value you - that is key.” As a member of the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), he tapped into their networking events. “I think members in these organizations and at these events show support,” he says. “It’s a good opportunity to find trade and vendors that are supportive and want to include people from our community into their networks.”

And he points to the value of networking beyond a business level. “Surround yourself with people from these organizations outside of work-focused events and become friendly — grab a coffee with someone, talk about design challenges and successes, and be open to sharing information — that is going to bond people, especially in our community,” he says.

Community Spirit

Community is a strong theme for Fulmer. “I like collaborating and working with other members of the LGBTQIA+ community,” he says. “I love working with photographers, vendors and trades who are gay. I like supporting my own kind.” He adds that this kind of approach is “important for everyone. Be supportive of the community you’re a part of. When you show support, you receive support in return. That will help grow your business.”

What if you haven’t found a supportive community yet? “Support comes with time,” Fulmer says. In the meantime, “accept yourself, and after self-acceptance, finding people of like minds, of similar interests - that is key. There’s much more of an online support community now that didn’t exist when I was coming out and it’s wonderful. The visibility of our community now makes it easier for the next generation of gay people to find someone to talk to.”

He even offers that “someone can go to my Houzz profile and if they want to talk, send me a message. It’s as easy as that. I want to give this generation what I didn’t have or couldn’t find.”

Getting Down to Business 

Looking back, Fulmer cites three main elements that have helped his interior design business grow and succeed: “Aligning the business with strong project management software was really an important step. Bringing in a business coach to help us align the front-end design with the back-end finances was really important. And the expansion of our team to three of us, each with our own skill set. All of us bring insights and knowledge in very specific fields, which has helped us grow quick and be efficient with our time.”

But Fulmer believes that looking ahead is just as important as looking back. “I always want to be able to do new tricks,” he says. “I think that’s staying up to date with whatever the most modern technology is.” His team members use Houzz Pro for “the day in, day out. It makes us run efficiently and helps us make sure we’re not missing anything.” The Selections feature of the all-in-one software is a particular favorite. 

“As technology evolves and expands, we’re going to embrace it as much as possible,” Fulmer adds. “There’s been so much discussion around AI and ‘Oh no, it’s going to take over our jobs!’ If we use AI as a tool, like a computer program, a pencil or even a sample library, we’re going to be even more successful.”

Want to see how Houzz Pro can help boost your own business? Start your free trial today.