SANDOW, the parent company of Interior Design magazine, last week announced its acquisition of Contract Consulting Group (CCG), a market research and strategy firm specializing in the contract interiors segment.
As part of the acquisition, CCG will be relaunched as ThinkLab, a division of SANDOW “focused on researching the evolving world of design.”

“ThinkLab will leverage Interior Design Magazine’s extensive reach to key product specifiers to track trends, validate new product concepts, understand new product categories, and explore emerging markets,” notes the acquisition press announcement. “This information will be translated into actionable data through newsletters, infographics, monthly webinars, whitepapers, CEUs, as well as customized research and consulting work with private clients. Following a deep passion around industry process evolution and brand experience, the division will also conduct interactive regional research events, informative workshops, and speaking engagements.”
Many in the industry are familiar with CCG’s work, and with its founder, Amanda Schneider. Through market research for a strong book of clients that has steadily expanded in its seven years, CCG has focused specifically on the contract interiors segment.
Now, under the wing of Interior Design magazine and SANDOW, Ms. Schneider and her team will move into new markets, partnering with clients and industry leaders in the contract, hospitality, health and wellness, and residential sectors.
“We’ve been researching the world of interior design, particularly through the specification piece, and connecting that to product manufacturing,” said Ms. Schneider, in an officeinsight interview. “With this move, we’ll be able to continue doing the same things, but in new markets and on a larger scale.”
Ms. Schneider’s experience in market research on the product innovation side has helped her develop a strong point of view on where companies should focus resources in the future.
“Companies are focusing a lot of their resources on product innovation, but I believe gains will be made in the future through process innovation, rather than product innovation,” said Ms. Schneider.
Though launched as a subsidiary of Interior Design Media, ThinkLab will operate as a completely separate division at SANDOW. With current already underway and new projects on the horizon, the ThinkLab team will expand as its work at SANDOW scales up. As the new team settles in at SANDOW, we’re eager to see and hear more from this strong research entity.
“At a time when the world is moving at a faster pace than ever before, growth-driven partners increasingly seek more knowledge and direction about evolving trends in key market segments,” said Adam Sandow,” in the acquisition press announcement. “This new division will enhance and expand our ability to provide deep insights that empower manufacturers, suppliers, and design professionals to find their next growth opportunities and develop strategies for the future.”