11.9.09 | The annual State of the Industry Panel at NeoCon East is something we
always look forward to. A year ago, the economic problems were surfacing,
but the impact on the design industry was still modest. Indeed, some of
the firms represented in the panel had felt little if any effects,
particularly on the interior design side. This year, every one seems to
be quite at sea, all in a rather small and fragile dinghy in a quite
large sea of trouble.
Events >>
11.9.09 | Joey Shimoda’s studio overlooks a sprawling industrial district on
the gritty eastern edge of downtown Los Angeles. The four-story converted
warehouse structure offers “live-work lofts” for lease, and it fronts
stolidly on Traction Avenue – an address that may never achieve the SoCal
caché of Rodeo Drive or Sunset Boulevard.
People >>
11.9.09 | The international architecture firm BBG and a wholly-owned
interior-design subsidiary BBGM have completed a move within
Manhattan to the Empire State Building. That building is acquiring
new tenants in the midst of ongoing renovations and restacking, in a
location known worldwide; now for the second time in its eighty-year
existence, it is the city’s tallest structure and is finally getting its
due as the enduring art deco classic.
Project >>
11.9.09 | Forgive my presumption; but, if you are turning to this page because you
are drawn to do so from past encounters, you will find no “A Minute with
[your humble correspondent]” this week. I am taking the week and, hence,
the “minute” off. And know that I know my pieces take
longer than a minute to read. But, less than a minute to forget. I have
made my “piece” with that. Sorry.
Ira Joe >>
11.2.09 | Peter Gaslow took over the reins from his father – the legendary
Larry Gaslow, chairman – as President and CEO of Empire Office,
Inc.
(www.empireoffice.com) in
2002. Together with his colleague Richard Gulardo, COO, Mr. Peter
Gaslow is well into his second recession as the firm’s leader, and he
confirms that, despite the great impact of the most recent impact on
contract furniture sales, the Empire team knows how to deal with
challenging times.
Business and Finance >>
11.2.09 | I wasn’t able to attend NeoCon East this year due to a passing bronchial
infection, so, at the last minute, I asked my college roommate and long
time friend Dr. Jeffrey James to stop by the Baltimore Convention
Center, record the annual State of the Industry Panel, and get a
load of what I do for a living and the interesting people that I am
fortunate enough to work with.
Events >>
11.2.09| Jess Sorel and Otto Williams do not, as a practice, finish
each other’s sentences, but they are remarkably accomplished at
completing – and complementing – the other’s most promising thoughts.
Product >>
11.2.09 | In what may be an ironic twist, the financial carnage that has swept over
our economy is creating an opportunity for savvy A&E firms to finally
breakthrough when pitching the value of energy efficiency and
sustainability. An alarming number of office buildings are being
foreclosed upon or being voluntarily returned to their lenders. At the
same time opportunity investors are raising capital to acquire real
estate assets with significant upside potential.
Green to Gold >>
11.2.09 | I did it again. I sent out an "all-staff" email. Yes, I felt a
twinge of doubt as I clicked send, but ...click I did. If you've ever been there, you too may have wondered in retrospect what
prompted you to broadcast your questions, thoughts or ideas so widely and
directly throughout your organization. Isn't there a more appropriate
system or process? Aren't there protocols, knowledge-management sites,
designated folders to upload into, databases to search, wikis, blogs and
discussion boards all designed to filter and distribute this information?
Research >>, Technology >>
11.2.09 | Driving along New England’s charming, leafy, winding Route Seven recently
I passed a business called “Classic Towing.” I did not know towing could
reach such a height. If I ever need a tow, that’s who I will call.
Ira Joe >>
10.26.09 | In the years I have been writing about interior design, I have been
continually amazed by the intelligence, talent, breadth of experience and
depth of knowledge of interior design professionals. And, almost to a
person, these professionals are highly attuned to the notion of
completing their projects in accordance with the wishes of their
clients.
A&D Firms >>
10.24.09 | Career path’s are not always linear, but often have interesting angles
and peculiar trajectories. Michael Winstanley, AIA, AICP, is one
such case, and, as of October 1, he is the Managing Principal of
Mancini•Duffy/Winstanley, the D.C./Virginia regional
offices of NY-headquartered Mancini Duffy. Just last week, Mancini
Duffy announced that Mr. Winstanley and his team of seven and Doug
Svitchan and George Eisenberger of Still and Svitchan have
become part of the the 35 member force in the D.C. region for
Mancini•Duffy.
A&D Firms >>, People >>
10.26.09 | Of course you will recall George Frideric Handel, the German who
was composing in England in the Italianate manner. Hence, The
Messiah. This may make it easier for you to remember another
multi-cultural icon, Richard Sapper, the German industrial
designer, working in Italy in the . . . well, the American manner,
creating such successful objects as the Knoll Sapper chair, the
ThinkPad laptop for IBM, the Tizio Lamp for Artemide and
the Melodic Teakettle for Alessi. O.K., the last two are very
Italian, but have been well received in the American market.
Product >>
10.26.09 | Chicago's Agati is something to go out of your way for at this
year's NeoCon East. Agati is a relatively small niche player in the
contract furniture arena, but it is making some interesting
moves.
Events >>, Manufacturing >>
10.26.09| With the introduction of the Arissa Collection at the 2008 Healthcare
Design Conference, KI set out to change the way interior designers and
facility managers think about bariatric seating. Arissa creates an
entirely new category of furniture; one that is universal and serves the
various needs of patients, family and staff members. The collection
supports individuals up to 750 pounds, yet can accommodate a vast
spectrum of users without appearing oversized or too delicate.
Product >>
