3.30.09 | There is business out there, lots of it, billions, in fact. Whether BIFMA projections are right (which would be a first) and contract furniture sales will drop by 26% in 2009 from your lips to God's ears or the industry suffers a 40% plus decline as it did earlier this decade, the billions remaining are there for the taking.
Manufacturing >>, Product >>
3.30.09 | Two years ago, Herman Miller took action in a new direction for its Materials Program a program that encompasses both the process of understanding and specifying materials, as well as the development and design of materials and finishes for the company's extensive catalogue.
3.30.09 | The IIDA Northern California Chapter received rave reviews by combining two of its signature annual events into an evening celebrating both design pioneers and winners of its design award program. And they did it in grand style. Over 750 patrons entered the majestic Fox Theatre beneath a deco movie marquee with the double feature bill of Pioneer's in Design and Honor Awards lighting the night sky.
Competitions and Awards >>, Events >>, Prof. Associations >>
3.30.09 | Thumbing through the March 23rd officeinsight I was drawn to the photographs on pages 17 and 18 accompanying the article about the Global Spring Fling in Manhattan, which happened, actually, in the departing days of winter. But, spring is more a thought and a wish before it blossoms into a season. The thinking and the wishing begin when the sparkle of the December holidays settles like a sunny dust to the pine-needled carpet.
Ira Joe >>
3.23.09 | Walls, walls, everyone's got walls. Even as the walls are coming down and panels are lowered orthrown away, we are getting more wall options. Yes, there is still plenty of drywall around, but when the price of plasterboard was going up, and was not too long ago, one had to wonder why. This is one product that has landfill written all over it.
Manufacturing >>, People >>, Product >>
3.23.09 | Ruth Lynford is indefatigable. One of a limited
number of women architects of her age, Ms.
Lynford has led the fight for the recognition of
the interior design profession in the State of
New York. With the present turmoil in interior
design legislation, we sometimes forget that for
too long, and extending into the 21st century,
this profession has been treated as the butt of
jokes of some commentators who seem to believe
that the crafting of where they spend most of
their time indoors should be left to anyone
who thinks they can make a living at it, or
enjoys it as a fun hobby. But don't get me started.
Events >>
3.23.09 | Do you know Global? Probably not, and it is not that easy to know. It's an interesting mix of business relationships and methods of doing business that will provide some interesting lessons as we move forward. For now, know that Global considers itself the fifth largest contract furniture manufacturer in North America. I'm not sure how this sorts out, but a good place to start is with Sol Feldberg, who started the company in 1966 in Toronto.
Events >>
3.23.09 | Redus Woodrow (Woody) Brooks was named President of Maxon Furniture
Inc., reporting to Jean Reynolds, Vice President of Corporate Marketing
and e-Business for HNI Corporation. Mr. Brooks, who will be the
strategic and operational leader of the company, has extensive
experience in all aspects of the office furniture business including
sales, marketing, manufacturing and organizational development.
People >>
3.16.09 | I met Maxine Mann at NeoCon 08, just after she was appointed president of Teknion LLC, the U.S. operation of Teknion Corporation of Canada. She seemed like the genuine thing, even in the circus of our annual World Trade Fair, so I was very pleased to be invited to Teknion's new headquarters in Mount Laurel, NJ, as the company celebrated its 25th anniversary.
People >>
3.16.09 | HNI companies Allsteel and Gunlocke have just completed the thorough renovation and expansion of the Allsteel/Gunlocke Resource Center in Chicago's Merchandise Mart. Under the design guidance of HOK Chicago, the new spaces reflect the cultures of the two companies while giving a respectful nod to Chicago's architectural heritage.
Facilities >>
3.16.09 | This semester is a first for me: I began to co-teach an interior design studio focusing on workplace design. Our students are now sifting through a surplus of programmatic information ready to begin the fast and steady journey through the design process.
3.16.09 | The bar code. I'm impressed. Leaning on my cart in the express line at my
neighborhood Whip-In-Check-Out supermarket, I was well below the twelve
or fewer requirement. I had nine items sitting on the rubber conveyer
belt. Feeling smug and mellow. The burly checker wore a scruffy beard and
an I-can't-wait-for-five-o'clock countenance. I counted again. Nine
items. The limit was twelve. I was golden.
Ira Joe >>
