9.29.08 | James Ludwig was recently promoted from Design Director at Steelcase to the newly created position of Vice President of Global Design. His background includes degrees in both industrial design and architecture. He spent seven years in Germany, first as a Fulbright Scholar, then as university lecturer and principal of his own multi-disciplinary design firm. He joined Steelcase nine years ago, working with the company as it made its surge toward greater design sophistication. All of this gives him a unique perspective on the industry.

8.18.08 | Karen Brown of Perkins+Will is more than an interior designer. The Social Responsibility Leader for the New York Perkins+Will office has an uplifting outlook on life that in 2004, took her for a year sabbatical to Egypt, where she volunteered her time and worked for an NGO and various non-profit organizations, and will take her to three countries – Republic of Georgia, Ghana, and Guatemala – in three months starting on August 21.

When she was a California girl, she was Debbie, but when she came to the faster paced East Coast, she became Deb. But no matter where she is, she is still Deborah Hopewell, a supercharged dealer salesperson and respected manager.

8.11.08 | John L. (Johnny) Helm died at his home in Dallas, TX, on July 1. He was a retired employee of Knoll and known to many in the industry. After serving in WWII and graduating from the University of Arkansas, Mr. Helm joined Knoll, where he spent the next 28 years.