Afterbricks is a dynamic platform transforming the architectural and interior design industry. It offers an extensive selection of products across twelve key categories, including tiles, woodwork, hardware, lighting, appliances, and smart home solutions. Bridging the gap between professionals—such as interior designers, architects, and contractors—it creates a seamless ecosystem for sourcing premium materials and fittings. With a catalog that emphasizes both aesthetics and functionality, Afterbricks elevates the design process, helping to craft inviting, well-curated spaces.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Vikas Bhagat, Founder and CEO of Afterbricks, reveals the driving factors behind the company’s sophisticated product curation. He further shares valuable insights into how Afterbricks collaborates with architects and interior designers, discusses emerging trends in interior design and home construction, and explains how technology enhances the customer experience. Bhagat also highlights the role of smart home solutions in expanding the platform’s offerings and outlines strategies for future growth. Here are the key takeaways from this engaging conversation.
Q: What key factors or criteria guide Afterbricks in curating its diverse range of products for the platform?
A: At Afterbricks, we are committed to building a comprehensive platform that consolidates interior materials and products, free from bias toward any specific brand or category. Our mission is clear: to create an expansive “phygital” library of materials that empowers interior designers and architects to explore and compare a vast range of SKUs from multiple brands. We aim to simplify the design process by streamlining the sampling procedure, allowing designers to book material samples with a single click. These samples are delivered to their desks within 48 hours, at no cost, making it easier for professionals to evaluate options quickly and efficiently.
As a multi-sided business model, Afterbricks serves as a meta-search engine for material management, sampling, and price comparison, facilitated through brand channel partners and franchises. Key features of our platform include Material Management, which offers a broad selection of SKUs from various brands, providing designers with diverse options.
Furthermore, our Express Sampling service allows for the seamless virtual booking of material samples, which are delivered quickly and free of charge. Through Digital Negotiations, we enable reverse bidding among curated channel partners, fostering competitive pricing and ensuring cost-effectiveness for design professionals. Additionally, our Seamless Sourcing guides designers to showrooms and e-portals while maintaining brand visibility throughout the purchasing process.
We prioritize credible brands of all sizes, particularly those that offer innovative materials, high-quality craftsmanship, and outstanding design functionality, ensuring that our platform supports both creativity and excellence in the interior design industry.
Q: How does Afterbricks collaborate with architects and interior designers to support and enhance their projects?
A: Afterbricks is revolutionizing the way designers source materials, drawing inspiration from travel aggregators like Skyscanner and Material Bank in the sampling sector. We recognize that time is a critical factor for designers, who strive to streamline the sourcing process and maximize design efficiency.
Statistics highlight the importance of this challenge: 80% of design professionals prefer digital platforms for their ease of access and quick comparisons, while 70% of design firms report that sample availability directly influences their material choices. Currently, designers spend 40% of their time sourcing materials and waiting for samples.
To address this, our platform functions as a meta-search engine focused on material management, sampling, and real-time price comparisons. By compressing the time spent on sourcing, we enhance designers’ efficiency, allowing them to dedicate more time to their creative work.
Q: What emerging trends do you believe will define the future of customized interior design and home construction products?
A: Several emerging trends are shaping the future of customized interior design and home construction. The market is evolving with a dynamic mix of established brands, boasting vast networks, and innovative newcomers committed to sustainability and niche products. Sustainability, in particular, is driving demand for eco-friendly materials and smart home technologies. At the same time, omnichannel strategies are gaining traction, with brands seamlessly integrating offline and online experiences to boost customer engagement. Additionally, AI-driven smart search is streamlining the interior design process by offering personalized material recommendations.
As we witness the consumerization of B2B transactions, the convenience that defines the B2C space is gradually spilling over into the B2B sector. While consumers enjoy the ease of services like Uber, Amazon, and food delivery, many B2B processes remain cumbersome and fraught with friction.
To address this gap, we are investing in providing immediate access to material samples that can be conveniently booked and delivered swiftly. We’re also bridging the digital and physical realms by enhancing the designer experience with initiatives like live demonstrations from brand experience centers.
For both seasoned professionals and emerging Gen Z designers, convenience is no longer a luxury—it’s an essential. By equipping industry professionals with the right tools, we empower them to grow their businesses with greater efficiency.
Q: How does Afterbricks utilize technology to enhance and simplify the purchasing and sourcing experience for its customers?
A: To effectively tackle future challenges, it’s crucial to look beyond the current landscape and user behaviors. Afterbricks addresses this by facilitating swift digital negotiations through reverse bidding among curated channel partners and brand franchises. We streamline sourcing by directing users to showrooms and relevant dealer e-portals, ensuring seamless brand engagement throughout the entire process.
Operating as a multi-sided business model, Afterbricks connects designers and professionals with brands and curated channel partners, without handling final sales. Furthermore, we offer a dynamic budgeting tool for home renovation projects. Users can input their total budget, and the tool allocates funds across categories such as bathroom fittings, woodwork, tiles, and electricals. It then suggests products from various retailers that align with their requirements, while also helping them track expenses efficiently.
Q: How do smart home solutions fit into Afterbricks’ product offerings, and what trends are driving their evolution?
A: Smart home solutions are central to our evolving product portfolio. We have recently unveiled a comprehensive range of home security, safety, and comfort products. The Internet of Things (IoT) is gaining significant traction, with designers now integrating smart home products and devices into their designs and Bill of Materials (BoM). This shift underscores the growing importance of IoT in shaping the future of interior design.
Q: What strategies is Afterbricks implementing to expand its reach to both individual customers and businesses?
A: Our primary target audience includes interior designers, architects, and related professionals, ranging from established firms to emerging Gen Z designers. These professionals prioritize efficiency, recognizing that time is a critical constraint in their work.
To effectively reach designers and architects, Afterbricks will implement a comprehensive strategy. This includes digital marketing through content creation and social media engagement, as well as partnerships with industry influencers and participation in key design events.
We will also host educational workshops and webinars to showcase the platform’s benefits, supported by referral and loyalty programs to drive user engagement. Personalized outreach through targeted email campaigns and direct communication will address the unique needs of each user.
A user-friendly mobile app will offer convenient access to materials, and ongoing feedback mechanisms will guide continuous improvements. Finally, by integrating cutting-edge technologies like AR and VR, Afterbricks will enable designers to visualize materials in their projects, reinforcing its position as an indispensable resource in the industry.
