4.22.12 | Felderman Keatinge, Los Angeles, is a small firm, but its ideas and designs are far from small or parochial, although a few currents of the Southern California fresh air are unmistakable. The firm won an Interiors Award for its iCrete project in the Small Office category. After the Interiors Breakfast, I snagged Mr. Felderman and Ms. Keatinge for a chat at the nearby Haworth NYC showroom, looking forward to enjoying a few minutes in that impressive and uplifting space and, perhaps, spending some more time in the FKA Collaborate chair, introduced by Haworth at NeoCon 2011.
A&D Firms >>, Facilities >>, People >>, Interviews >>
4.22.12 | Momentum Textiles is launching a Memo Take Back program called 2 Clicks, so called because that's all it will take to return samples to Momentum's warehouse for recycling. That is why Momentum is making it a priority to offer, among other things, tech-savvy solutions to help. This is just part of a more comprehensive program that includes a Tube Takeback program, quilts for the homeless, and jackets for rescue dogs. Being environmentally responsible takes time and effort.
Environment >>, Materials >>, Technology >>
4.22.12 | Architecture firm Francis Cauffman did the redesign of the former federal courthouse, the Daniel L. Herrmann Courthouse, in downtown Wilmington for Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP. Young Conaway is the sole tenant of the 233,880-sq.-ft. courthouse built in 1916 and vacant since 2002.
A&D Firms >>, Project >>
4.22.12 | Gensler announced the winners of its fourth annual Gensler Diversity Scholarship, which recognizes emerging talent in African-American college students enrolled in accredited architecture programs. First prize went to Chisom Ezekwo of the University of Southern California, who is currently pursuing dual Bachelor of Science in Public Policy, Management, and Planning and Bachelor of Architecture degrees. Second prize was awarded to Damian Bolden, an architecture student at Auburn University.
A&D Firms >>, Competitions and Awards >>, People >>
4.22.12 | Research presented by Chris Pawson, Sarah Doherty, Laura Martin, Ruth Soares, Caroline Edmonds, and Mark Gardner on April 18 at the British Psychological Society’s annual conference indicates that human cognitive performance is influenced by hydration.
Research >>, RD Connections >>
4.16.12 | We were particularly pleased that Stylex Seating from the U.S. received one of the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2012 awards for its SAVA chair, introduced at NeoCon 2010. The SAVA is an excellent chair that easily avoids stuffy formality while capturing an elegant comfortability, along with all of the expected ergonomic flexibility and adjustability.
Companies >>, Competitions and Awards >>, Product >>
4.16.12 | HBF and HBF Textiles added its annual contribution to the ushering in of some of the interior design industry’s uninitiated by hosting the ninth annual Pratt Institute Career Night at its showroom at the New York Design Center. Over fifty students were on hand to meet with key decision-makers of ten design firms in the New York area. Diane Barnes, HBF’s New York manager, made some opening remarks before the speed networking began.
A&D Firms >>, Companies >>, Education >>, Events >>
4.16.12 | Does the contract furniture distribution model inhibit innovation in the industry because some contract furniture manufacturers restrict their aligned dealerships from selling certain “competitor” products? This is not a very thoughtful question, placing, as it does, a tactical problem in a strategic context. Surely, the market doesn’t always welcome “innovation,” especially when new products simply don’t add meaningful differentiating value to the market. But, this in turn, spurs innovation in other directions, such as new types of products and new means of distribution.
Random Walk >>
4.16.12 | The New York Eleven 2012 Student Exhibition, titled Interior Design: Raising the Bar will run in Albany’s Legislative Office Building from April 17th until April 19th. After that, it will be on display in Knoll’s New York City showroom from April 25th – April 27th. These exhibitions raise the awareness of the complexity and responsibilities of the interior design profession.
A&D Firms >>, Events >>
4.16.12 | Following its award-winning launch at NeoCon 2011 – Best of NeoCon Gold in Architectural Products and an Innovation Award – Seeyond Architectural Solutions will bring a new library of fully customizable Thought Starter concepts to NeoCon 2012. The Minneapolis-based company has also expanded its range of material options.
A&D Firms >>, Companies >>, Product >>
4.16.12 | An article recently posted on ScienceNordic highlights gender-based differences in sensory systems that influence the experience of design and design research. Women have a keener sense of smell than men … however, “The tables are turned when studies are being made of navigation skills. That’s where men rule.”
A&D Firms >>, People >>, Research >>, RD Connections >>
4.9.12 | A recent study by Randolph Barker and his team indicates that, when people bring their dogs to work there are positive psychological ramifications. Their 2012 research corroborates findings from a 2001 investigation by Wells and Perrine.
A&D Firms >>, Research >>, RD Connections >>
4.8.12 | Charlie Bell was president of HBF when it was purchased by HNI. Recently, Kevin Stark was named President of HBF Brand, so, we wondered “What happened to Mr. Bell?” Apparently he is doing well. He will now lead a new Teknion venture, Teknion Studio Group, LLC, which will develop and manufacture collaborative furniture products. That sounds like a sweet spot, for sure, and Mr. Bell has proven himself both in company leadership and sales and marketing at HBF.
People >>
4.8.12 | Currently celebrating its tenth anniversary, OHNY (openhousenewyork) has spent most of that time inspiring and educating the public about New York City's architecture and design heritage, while enabling special access to wonders of design throughout the city. To celebrate the past decade of programs, OHNY is organizing a series of events that cover New York City’s special places, design personalities, and buildings throughout this year. “Our first openstudios took place last month in the DUMBO section of Brooklyn,” said Renee Schacht, Executive Director of OHNY.
A&D Firms >>, Events >>, Prof. Associations >>
4.8.12 | From her role as creative director for Knoll Textiles or design director of Tandus Flooring to her transparent designs for Skyline Glass, Suzanne Tick’s professional work is emblematic of the contemporary look of surfacing for commercial interiors: cool, sophisticated, and typically very flat. But, her personal weaving artwork, on display at the New York office of Gensler until the end of May, is a departure from the familiar designs that everyone knows.
A&D Firms >>, Materials >>, People >>
4.8.12 | Two years ago Dauphin North America launched something new under its Valo brand: Konstrux, an “adaptive furniture solution that enables people to thrive and connect in today’s interactive environments.” What is more interesting is that Dauphin has taken this to a further place, conceptualizing the nature of these new environments, which it refers to as Dynamic Spaces. To us, Dynamic Spaces is a breakthrough point of view since it encourages everyone to develop a new perspective of what a workplace should be like and look like.
A&D Firms >>, Product >>, Interviews >>
