California becomes first state to adopt mandatory measures in building code to reduce embodied carbon

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 appoints four members to board of directors

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 announces headliners as the future of design for the Design, Art & Science Symposium

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 lesson of ASID’s GATHER conference: Interior designers want to be taken seriously and do serious work

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.

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.

How media is fueling the demand to renovate, redecorate

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?

Luxury art eCommerce experts extend brand with launch of Oliver Gal Specialty 

“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.

Creative people and exceptional designs unite at the ISFD 27th Annual Pinnacle Awards® Celebration

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.

The lava lamp turns 60

MATHMOS, creators of the lava lamp are celebrating its 60th anniversary.

New spin on style spotting: Alumni All-Star designers to host HPMA IG Live event

HIGH POINT, N.C., Aug. 14, 2023 – The High Point Market Authority (HPMA) has released the schedule for its newly anticipated series “High Point Market Pulse,” where each “Alumni All-Star” Style Spotter will be hosting an Instagram Live event before Fall Market this October.

Interior design software resource Design Manager is this season’s sponsor.

Going live directly from @highpointmarket on Instagram at 4pm ET are Style Spotters:

Don Ricardo Massenburg, September 5th
Eric Haydel, September 12th
Erika Hollinshead Ward, September 19th
Denise McGaha, September 26th
Bria Hammel, October 3rd

In a new approach, the 2023 Fall Market Style Spotters will also give sneak peeks on social media of what Market attendees can look forward to seeing. Come October, the interior design professionals will take to the streets of downtown High Point and comb through 11.5 million square feet of showroom space to locate their top five favorite products. All chosen items and the conversation surrounding each piece can be found after Market at highpointmarket.org.

Registration to attend High Point Market, Oct. 14 – 18, is open online at: https://www.highpointmarket.org/register.

About the High Point Market Authority
The High Point Market Authority is the official sponsor and organizer of the High Point Market in High Point, N.C. Featuring an extensive selection of exhibitors spanning every category, style, and price point, and attracting tens of thousands of visitors from more than 100 countries twice each year, High Point Market is the driving force of the home furnishings industry. Find High Point Market online at highpointmarket.org, and follow on social media using the hashtag #HPMKT.