Distributor of timber, panel and decorative surfaces James Latham has launched the Digital Showroom platform, an online specification tool.

It follows two years of research and back-end development, to respond to the architectural and design community’s move to online for material selection.

The Digital Showroom features 1,400 surfaces as 3D interactive animations, allows access to James Latham’s CPD library and enables users to order samples and book remote consultations.

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Users can opt for a Guided Search, discovering products by intended use, material colour and finish, or Visual Search to scroll through decors and view a curated selection of products similar to the theme.

Alternatively, users can use Quick Find opting for a wide range of tags to hone down a specific product type or brand.

Once a surface has been selected, the user is taken to a dedicated page where they can see the material, colour and finish in a 3D animation.

The product can be viewed from any angle and under a number of lighting conditions to provide an impression of texture or grain.

Users will be able to create a profile to access a dedicated hub, where they can create and save moods boards, as well as request samples of material within 48 hours of request.

Following sample ordering, they will have the opportunity to book a virtual meeting with a showroom manager.

Completing the Digital Showroom will be regular updates on news, events, as well as the bank of CPD seminars covering surface design and specification.

It adds to and complements existing James Latham’s technical information hub, NBS Source integration, CPD seminars and Carbon Calculator, as well as its physical depots and showrooms.

Commenting on the new service, managing director at James Latham Andrew Wright said: “For over 260 years, we’ve prided ourselves on pioneering the very latest innovations to meet the requirements of our customers, enhancing their work and enabling them to deliver exceptional results.

“Part of this is continual engagement with our various audiences, understanding their unique challenges and how we can provide the solutions.”

“Noticing a strong uptick in online specification since the pandemic, and a more dispersed, multi-location client base, we responded immediately with an offering which would augment our physical showrooms, bringing a like-for-like experience direct to the specifier’s location.

“The Digital Showroom delivers just that, allowing specifiers to explore our extensive range of premium surfaces with ease, at their convenience.

“Backed by our signature customer service and in-depth knowledge, once again we’re proving why we’re the UK’s most agile and trusted surfacing distributor.”