When it comes to crafting successful designs, there’s nothing better than receiving the right kind of support from the right kind of people. At Sherwin-Williams, our widespread network of industry experts is ready and waiting to provide this kind of support. But who are Sherwin-Williams Account Executives, and what can they do to support you in future projects?

Let’s take a closer look at the many ways a relationship with an Account Executive can help you save time, stay on top of trends, and connect you with the resources and products you need to achieve your most ambitious design goals with ease.

Designer and Architectural Account Executives can be found all over North America, helping nearby designers, architects, and specifiers bring their unique visions to life in a variety of ways. According to Tennessee-based Account Executive Stacey Evans, her most common task is to assist with sheen selection. “Once I understand the color and application for the project, I advise the best sheen to fit their design concept and aesthetic. The Guide to Gloss & Sheen is so helpful and useful in the discussion.”

Account Executives can provide the tools you need to bring your design vision to life, like our Guide to Gloss & Sheen, designs to help you select a sheen with confidence.

For Amanda Lowery, an Account Executive in Architectural Services, the most common request she receives is to assist with product specification for specific projects. When this happens, her first step is to set up a call with the architect or designer to gather as much information about the project needs as she can. “Every project is different,” she says, “so it’s important to set the stage and fully understand the scope of the job, environments, and the substrates being coated, as well as any other factors that will shape the correct specification.”

This goes far beyond paints and primers alone. “We are most known for architectural coatings,” says Lowery, “but we can assist in coating aluminum and steel, structural steel, concrete, wood, drywall, and the list goes on. We have coatings for interior and exterior spaces. We can provide resinous flooring and terrazzo samples and even assist in things like intumescent flooring and fluid-applied coatings. If it’s coated in something, we can help.”

Account Executives are subject matter experts and can help advise on specifications for a wide variety of substrates with Full Spectrum Possibilities.

While Account Executives can introduce designers and architects to the complete portfolio of Sherwin-Williams products available for specification, they also play a central role in determining the color and finish details that make sense for the project, depending on if it’s a residential or commercial environment, current trends, and the specific needs of the space in question.

This process often starts with selecting digital colors from the Sherwin-Williams website or design software, confirming the color with a fan deck to eliminate the variance possible with digital screens, and then pulling physical samples of the paint colors and various sheens for comparison.

“As for color tools, the palette guide has been a lifesaver for designers to show clients undertones,” says Stacey Evans. “The layout shows the color progression beautifully.” Evans believes that no professional design kit is complete without the popular Peel & Stick and 8x11" samples, and the ColorSnap Match Pro is an ideal tool when trying to match a color to wallpaper or other materials.

Account Executives make it easy to bring your vision to life down to the finest design details with complimentary samples and color tools.

Once all the details are decided, Lowery says, the next move is an on-site mock-up. “This is the best way to confirm what the color will look like in the lighting and unique environmental factors that are actually on site. If the architect or designer does not approve then, they have time to tweak it before the contractor puts it on the walls.”

In other cases, as in a recent project collaboration between Stacey Evans and designer Stephanie Handley of Studio 36 Design, products and colors have already been specified by the time the Account Executive gets involved. Then, your Account Executive can help in other ways, like creating custom color cards using Sherwin-Williams colors to aid the client with visualization.

Design by Stephanie Handley of Studio 36 Design, with assistance from Account Executive Stacey Evans. Gossamer Veil SW 9165 (238-C1) (left), Drift of Mist SW 9166 (238-C2) (right). Photos by Allison Elefonte.

Your Account Executive’s express goal is to facilitate all of this, saving you time and trouble at every phase of the project. “I like to say I am your general physician for coatings,” Lowery adds, “but what many don’t know about is our network of specialists that I have at my disposal. We can bring in specialists on factory-applied liquid or powder coatings, high performance flooring, intumescent, and so much more. In addition to that, I can work with you on specific sustainability goals unique to your firm, or even a specific project. We are here to help in more ways than you can imagine.”

So what does this kind of assistance mean for designers? Zehra Arif of Z Dimensional explains that, more than anything else, the support of her Account Executive Amanda Lowery allows her the breathing room to focus on doing what she does best.

“Samples play a pivotal role in any interior design project,” Arif tells us, “whether it’s fabrics, flooring, paint chips, or tiles. They provide a tangible experience, allowing us to assess materials firsthand before finalizing selections, so obtaining samples stands out as a critical and vital step in the interior design process. This is where my Account Executive is extremely useful: ensuring the smooth shipping of samples promptly.”

Arif says that having Amanda take care of all sample requests in such a timely manner allows her to prioritize the creative process without being concerned or distracted by when her samples might arrive. “It’s a valuable support that allows me to worry about one less thing, streamlining the overall workflow.”

Sherwin-Williams Account Executives undergo extensive training so that they can bring expert insights to the designers and architects they serve.

For a recent orthodontics office project, Amanda Lowery helped Zehra Arif with color sample ordering, product reviews, regular check-ins for support throughout the project, and she followed up with the designer once the job was complete. We asked Zehra Arif for details about the project.

“The challenge was to move away from a ‘clinical’ atmosphere and infuse a calming feel in a patient-focused space,” she says. To achieve a warm and inviting environment designed for the well-being and comfort of staff, patients, and guests, Arif needed to pay meticulous attention to every detail of the design process. Working with an Account Executive gave her the freedom to do that.

Design by Zehra Arif of Z Dimensional, with assistance from Account Executive Amanda Lowery. Extra White SW 7006 (257-C1), Iron Ore SW 7069 (251-C7).

“Interior design is known for its fast-paced and often stressful environment,” she shares. “Having a dependable and efficient Account Executive is like having a reliable team member who swiftly addresses queries and provides samples quickly. It’s a reassuring aspect that alleviates concerns, ensuring a smoother design process and allowing for a more focused and creative workflow.”

Account Executives will also host events to establish and strengthen connections between industry professionals, from small dinner parties to large-scale continuing education events, and they forge relationships worldwide by attending national trade and design shows and other industry events.

This was especially true at a recent event held in New York City to celebrate Elle Decor’s 35th anniversary, where Sherwin-Williams design and color experts enjoyed Emerald^® Designer Edition^™–themed surroundings alongside some of the top luxury designers in the New York City market. 

The Sherwin-Williams and Elle Decor event provided an opportunity for industry visionaries to get to know one another in an intimate dinner party setting.

At the intimate dinner and cocktail party, these top designers were able to get to know the Sherwin-Williams team, embark on new working relationships, and learn more about Sherwin-Williams company history, global reach, and how Account Executives could provide customized solutions to their unique business challenges. “Many conversations were centered around premium products and different product lines,” says Designer Marketing Manager Kendall Ace. “The designers were shocked to learn firsthand how much product knowledge the Account Executive team could provide.”

Our Account Executives are here to act as an extension of your team—even if it’s a team of one!—to make every project as straightforward and successful as possible. Get started now by reaching out to your local Account Executive, and learn more about our complete portfolio of coatings with Full Spectrum Possibilities.