But Christopher’s skills extend far beyond the realm of festive holiday party decoration. He’s the go-to designer for crafting unforgettable moments, whether it’s through lavish private parties, fairy-tale weddings, or prestigious events like the Academy Awards and luxury car launches. And it’s that sensibility he brings to his interiors as well and to Fairfield Chair’s Third Annual Virtual Design Challenge.
Vibrant mature consumers are the top 20% of spenders in the 50-70 age group — it’s also a group that tends to be happier and more active than other mature consumers. Despite their ability to spend, they can be overlooked by retailers, brand marketers and even interior designers because they don’t drive trends and account for a lower percentage of overall consumer spending than younger generations.
At their Wednesday, August 2, 2023, meeting, the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC), voted unanimously for two building code changes to limit embodied carbon emissions in the construction, remodel, or adaptive reuse of commercial buildings larger than 100,000 sq feet and school projects over 50,000 sq ft. These changes go into effect on July 1, 2024, statewide.
The Common Thread for the Cure Foundation, founded in 2000, supports individuals fighting breast cancer who are affiliated with the furnishings and design industries by offering financial assistance through confidential Helping Hands Grants. The grants aid breast cancer patients and their families in areas where insurance does not apply. For example, a grant can be used to meet financial obligations, household needs and transportation to medical appointments. The intent of the grants is to enhance the quality of life for those who have breast cancer enabling them to maintain as normal a lifestyle as possible while they are confronting the disease. To date, the foundation has raised over $1 million to provide grants to individuals throughout North America.
Science in Design’s Co-founder Linda Kafka commented, “Science in Design is dedicated to teaching design and trade professionals about the positive effects of beauty, nature, and fine design. Science now proves that design has the power to create pleasure and beauty, which positively impacts our emotions and physical health.”
The annual GATHER 2023 conference of the American Society of Interior Designers concluded yesterday in Los Angeles. GATHER brings together every facet of the interior design realm, offering a platform for residential and commercial designers, industry collaborators, educators, students, and experts in the constructed environment to delve into the industry’s current state.
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.
I think designers and the broader industry can take lessons from this research to empower people to feel confident as they personalize their spaces. Ideally, people will spend more time creating homes they’ll love and less time worrying about making their space look like everyone else’s. How many gray walls and industrial appliances does the world really need?
“In Style and On The Money – Start with Art” featuring Lola Sanchez and Courtney Porter will take place Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 2:00pm at The Point, on Commerce Avenue, one block from the Transportation Terminal, High Point, NC.
The Pinnacle Awards applaud designs that are produced mostly in larger numbers for sale to consumers. The recipient of the highly coveted Pinnacle Award is the designer or designers who were directly involved in the “design craft” of the product(s). The items or collections entered must be in current production and must have been shown and sold at one of the major home furnishings or fabric markets worldwide.
ISFD would like to thank the 2023 Pinnacle Awards sponsors: Platinum Sponsor: ANDMORE, Silver Sponsor: High Point Market Authority, Bronze Sponsors: Continental Hardware, Furniture Design Studios, Leggett & Platt and Sherwin-Williams along with partners Elements Studios, and Furniture Today. Also, thanks to the International Textile Alliance (ITA) for their continued support.