News
On December 21st, 2021, the establishment of Architectural Workers United (AWU) ignited a nationwide discourse concerning architectural labor and its value within a system fraught with exploitation. It has slowly been gaining traction ever since. AWU represents a collaborative initiative of architectural professionals hailing from various firms, united in their pursuit to revolutionize the industry through grassroots efforts. Notably, the United States currently lacks a prominent private sector union for architects. While a union briefly existed prior to World War II, the past five decades have seen a void in election activity.
Leading the charge is the manufacturing sector, where spending is projected to increase more than 50% over last year’s exceptional performance. Healthy gains are expected across all sectors, including commercial, institutional, and industrial construction categories, with each projected to increase at a double-digit pace.
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) is excited to announce the release of the 2023 Economic Outlook Report – the third installment in ASID’s annual Outlook Research Series, sponsored by Sherwin Williams.
This report delves into the current state of the economy during a pandemic-recovery period and following a brief recession in 2023, equipping the design industry with insights to inform and prepare practitioners for future shifts and trends.
Key takeaways include:
National employment has bounced back from its initial sharp decline in early 2020 and is now above its pre-pandemic peak.
In general, most major cities have excess office space in their downtown areas, though vacancy rates have fallen somewhat as some workers return to the office.
Residential construction felt the effects of the fallout from the pandemic but quickly recovered.
“We’re thrilled to partner with 1stDibs and provide our agents with first-class service and access to luxury design,” said Mauricio Umansky, CEO and Founder of The Agency. “Our brands share a remarkable synergy, and through this partnership, we can leverage our combined capabilities to offer our agents enhanced access to services that truly differentiate The Agency.”
FS&CO was founded and established in New York City in 1889 by Frenchman Frederic Schumacher and was a pioneer in the world of interior design, getting its start by bringing the art of French textiles to the United States. It is a sixth-generation family-owned company. Its new headquarters, located at 459 Broadway and Grand Street are in the landmarked Devlin building, constructed in 1861, the original home to the Devlin department store. The heritage and impressive history of the 459 Broadway building make it the perfect home for FS&CO’s new offices. In fact, F. Schumacher & Co.’s original office on lower Fifth Avenue was located in a similar era building.
Hooker Furnishings has acquired BOBO Intriguing Objects, a lighting, décor and furnishings manufacturer based in Atlanta, Georgia. With a variety of one-of-a-kind designs, BOBO’s product line enables Hooker Furnishings to expand its portfolio into the lighting, accessories, textiles, and decor segments of the industry.
MOUS Studio, specializing in modern furniture and home accessories, has been awarded Best Product-Furniture Design in Seating at the Luxe RED Awards 2023 for their Pi Chair and Pi Stool.
ASID will mark its 50th anniversary in 2025. Celebrating 50 years of industry leadership, ASID is committed to broadening the impact for the future of design in all of the places we work, play, and heal. Learn more at asid.org.
The International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD) is an association of professional and student furniture designers in residential and contract furnishings and accessories. Its mission is to promote and advance outstanding design and to elevate and support the furniture designer through networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Its Pinnacle Awards® recognize the very best in furniture design each year, and its INNOVATION + DESIGN awards promote the outstanding work of designer–makers. Visit ISFD.org for more information about the organization and its programs, or follow its activities on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter.