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Architectural Workers United

Architects are unionizing – is the industry paying attention?

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.

Glen Raven, Inc. names Bret Kelley president of Trivantage, LLC

“Bret is laser-focused on solutions for Trivantage customers,” said Leib Oehmig, CEO of Glen Raven. “He demonstrates every day the power of relationships and puts the customer first and foremost in every decision. Bret’s vision and tireless energy will serve him well as the next president of Trivantage.

The Container Store names the Kaleidoscope Project for yearlong giving campaign

Through its giving campaign, The Container Store will support the work of The Kaleidoscope Project, including its internships for students in high school and college and the scholarships it funds for those interns to receive Green Leader Certification through the Sustainable Furniture Council. Those scholarships enable young BIPOC creatives to enter their industry with a knowledge of sustainability.

To encourage customer and employee contributions to the giving campaign, The Container Store will utilize its social media, email, internal communications, online blog, and in-store signage in its 97 locations during relevant monthly observances throughout the year. Donations can be made to support The Kaleidoscope Project giving campaign at The Container Store in store locations at the register or online by clicking here.

Ryan Saghian is Unapologetically Chic

In 2023, he launched an online store, Ryan Saghian Mode-De-Vie, which features a curated collection of furnishings, art, and accessories from his favorite trade vendors and artisans. He is one of the first interior designers to embrace the metaverse with his own virtual showroom, optimized for a fully interactive VR experience. Saghian received his Bachelor’s of Science in Interior Architecture and Design from the Art Institute of California.

Amanda Gunawan on progressive architecture and designing products with sentimental value

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. 

All the technology you need to make your furniture company competitive in 2024

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.

Visit the new Jungalow pop-up on Melrose

Justina Blakeney posting by sofa and bookcase in first Jungalow pop up shop

New IHA Market Watch Report says consumer-centric approach is key to home and housewares success in 2023

The International Housewares Association (IHA) has just released its 2023 IHA Market Watch Report, which is designed to assist the home and housewares industry with connecting to consumer values. As consumers adjust to a post-pandemic world, this report revisits five key drivers or motivating factors in consumers’ purchase decisions for home and housewares products: Wellness, Time, Space, Experience and Responsibility.

Science in Design to offer certification for designers

Interior designers interested in earning the new certification will take 25 sequential, hourlong online classes, or chapters, focusing on biophilia, color contrast and intensity, fractals and other topics related to the “evolutionary inheritance” that affects how humans recognize and respond to beauty and good design, Peterson says.

Legends 2023: America’s Favorite Design Festival Returns

The La Cienega Design Quarter’s much-awaited annual LEGENDS event kicks into high gear in 2023 with an expanded membership, an enticing “The Fashion of Home” theme, a nod to fashion royalty, and the announcement of the inimitably fashionable – and absolute forces in design – Ken Fulk and Alexa Hampton as the recipients of LCDQ’s Living Legend Awards.