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AI tools like Firefly are going to make in the design industry is to the designer’s workflow. Adobe Firefly is render-independent and makes notes and adjustments within seconds of receiving them from the user. The rate at which it learns and implements changes accurately and quickly depends on both machine training and artful human-user prompting.
John Conrad’s career in home furnishings has spanned nearly five decades. From furniture rep to executive director of the International Society of Furniture Designers to design podcast host, he’s worn many hats and still has his finger on the pulse. In conversation with DNN Editor in Chief Courtney Porter, John Conrad discusses what’s changed and stayed the same in the industry, what it’s going to take to make the industry attractive to young talent, and what keeps him excited about the industry.
Gunawan defines herself as a progressive architect. When people hear the term progressive architect they get intimidated. In her experience, people assume it means something technical and lofty, but she stands by the term. It means always improving, turning failures into opportunities. In practice that means building upon what already exists. This is the philosophy behind the name of her architecture design and build firm, The Only Way is Up.
For designers entertaining the idea of opening their own store, Christopher Kennedy offers some sage advice. “Running a design firm, sometimes you are your own best customer,” he said. “Owning a retail store is really useful when you need to pick up some accessories last minute to art a photoshoot. You really need the same level of dedication to both [your firm and store] to maintain a cohesive brand. And you can get burned out trying to do it all.” Kennedy admitted that he was too hands-off with the retail side of the business, focusing heavily on design clients. He took some time to step back and reevaluate how he could best serve his clients and community. The result is a new, tailored showroom, tucked into a business center in downtown Palm Springs. It doesn’t have the same tourist foot traffic as the previous space, but it’s calm, crisp, and feels like home.
Jola Interactive is a multi-disciplinary team of web development and 3D CGI specialists that offers end-to-end digital solutions to clients interested in building industry-leading eCommerce websites with 3D applications, such as visual configurators and augmented reality. With over 12 years of experience, Jola Interactive has worked with renowned North American brands in the furnishing industry, like Verellen and Hubbardton Forge – both of whom recently won Web Excellence Awards for best websites for interior designers and home remodeling, respectively.
Justina Blakeney posting by sofa and bookcase in first Jungalow pop up shop
Sustainability was always part of Greg Roth’s personal ethos, but it didn’t become the central focus of his professional life until Stephen Pallrand challenged him to design a home with zero carbon footprint. The project was Casa Zero and would become the first CarbonShack case study house in Los Angeles.
Oren John, of Product People and Product World, sat down with DNN Editor in Chief, Courtney Porter to discuss the future of luxury branding, radical experiential marketing and why your furniture company may become a media company. Click play on the video below to watch the discussion.
In addition to her many collections with Fairfield, KAS, Crystorama, A&B and Paragon, Libby Langdon also runs a robust design firm and uses her clients as R+D. The process of designing for and with her design clients informs the products she designs.
Founded by Embello, the preeminent influencer marketing platform for the home and design community, the Living by Design Virtual Showhouse calls on a group of celebrated interior designers and influencers to imagine a completely virtual design showcase. The experience is brought to life as a virtual tour with an expert 3D visualization studio by way of amalgamating renderings, floor plan schematics, and products selected by each designer. This first-of-its-kind digital design event allows consumers and designers to engage with a wide variety of home brands with direct path-to-purchase callouts for potential consumers to buy pieces to incorporate into their own design projects.