1.30.12 | As an industry tradition, Contract magazine’s Interiors Breakfast has become a valuable barometer for what we can expect the rest of the year to hold for the A&D industry. This year, being the public debut of Contract’s new Editor-in-Chief John Czarnecki, many among the audience looked forward to Mr. Czarnecki’s stamp upon the event following the many successful years of his predecessor, Jennifer Busch, currently Vice President of A&D Market Development for InterfaceFLOR.
A&D Firms >>, Competitions and Awards >>, Events >>, Project >>
1.30.12 | Attendance at this year’s BIFMA Leadership Conference was up about 30% over last year. Part of the jump in registration is probably due to the fact that the industry grew about 14% in 2011, so times are pretty good. But I think the growth in attendance is mainly due to the very high quality of the conference over the last few years.
Events >>, Prof. Associations >>
1.30.12 | The ASID named Randy W. Fiser as its new executive vice president and chief executive officer. The EVP, CEO title is new for this position, and it portents, we were told, that Mr. Fiser will have an expanded role that encompasses a more aggressive public and professional interface and that acts as a progenitor of meaningful intra- and inter-industry connections.
People >>, Prof. Associations >>
1.30.12 | Each new year brings its own possibilities, expectations and surprises. A very pleasant one this year was a message from our friend Ed Smith saying that he had taken a position as Northeast Regional Sales Manager with Caesar Ceramics USA Inc. Many in the A&D and dealer communities will remember the favorable impression he made while representing Ahrend, before that company affiliated with Allsteel.
Companies >>, Product >>
1.30.12 | izzy+ is spreading the love from Norway to Nicaragua during its annual Valentine’s Day promotion. The organization is highlighting its Better Together tagline and showcasing a broader portfolio of izzy+ brands and products – in particular, the new HÅG Capisco Puls – aimed at helping people work and learn in inspiring, surprising and productive ways for the 21st Century.
Companies >>
1.30.12 | Varlander has reviewed the workplace experiences of employees of a Swedish firm that implemented an open space office design. Data were gathered using interviews and by observing at the firm.
A&D Firms >>, Research >>, RD Connections >>
1.23.12 | Much to our embarrassment, our review of healthcare products at NeoCon 2011 did not include KI, which has been a long-time prominent player in this area. We were therefore grateful to mitigate our deficiency through an opportunity to speak to Deborah Breunig, Vice President of Healthcare at KI. Ms. Breunig was happy to give us additional insight about KI’s perspective on the healthcare field, which appears to be leading the interior design profession into a new day in which designers will be required have a very good handle on the outcomes that can be expected from their efforts and their client’s investments.
A&D Firms >>, Companies >>, Interviews >>
1.23.12 | A survey of healthcare facilities professions was conducted throughout 2010-2011 by the Corporate Realty, Design & Management Institute in partnership with the Healthcare Institute of IFMA. The survey found that progress and efficiency are being impeded by apprehension about new technology performance, the proliferation of green washing by manufacturers and service providers, and buying decisions based on first cost. Facilities mangers who can see through the mist, however, are realizing significant efficiencies and savings.
Environment >>, Healthcare >>, Green to Gold >>
1.23.12 | 2011 began with high hopes and strong confidence that the economic recovery was well under way. Uncertainty began to grow, however, as the end of the year approached. Entering 2012, the high hopes and confidence were still there, but they were tempered by a caution of the recent past and fears of a reprise stemming from the European continent. In the long term we see opportunities. As manufacturing evolves, we see an incremental convergence of the factory with other workplaces. This invites the manufacturing sector and the interior design profession to collaborate, sharing knowledge and experience to their mutual benefit.
Business and Finance >>
1.23.12 | British psychologists have learned that all that time we spend sitting at work has repercussions beyond the size of the posterior we’re sitting on. Dr Myanna Duncan, Mr. Aadil Kazi and Professor Cheryl Haslam from the Work & Health Research Centre, Loughborough University, presented their workplace-based research January 13 at the British Psychological Society's Annual Occupational Conference.
A&D Firms >>, Research >>, RD Connections >>
