In June 1954, an article published in House & Home magazine read, The Japanese had some of our best ideas300 years ago. The piece highlighted three main attributes of Kyotos Katsura Imperial Villa, built in the 1620s: the open post-and-beam plan, the use of verandas for climate control, and its modularity based on tatami mats and shoji screens. The article coincided with the opening of the Japanese Exhibition House at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. On the recommendation of architect Antonin Raymond, the artist Isamu Noguchi, and others, the museums architecture and design curator, Arthur Drexler, commissioned Japanese architect Junz Yoshimura to design the house as part of the museums House in the Garden series. Yoshimura was inspired by a 17th-century temple home near Kyoto named Kojo-in. He designed and built the house in Nagoya and then shipped it in 636 crates, to be installed in the museums garden, where it received thousands of visitors daily over a period of ten months. Shofuso (Pine Breeze Villa), as Yoshimura named it, was subsequently moved in 1958 to West Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, where it remains today.

Sixty-two years later, and after several months of lockdown, Shofuso has reopened with an exhibition that revisits the historical-cultural exchange between Western modernism and Japanese traditional craft and architecture. Shofuso and Modernism: The Architecture and Design of George Nakashima, Antonin and Nomi Raymond, and Junz Yoshimura honors the close friendship and community-based collaboration between Yoshimura, architect and woodworker George Nakashima, architect Antonin Raymond, and interior designer and graphic artist Nomi Pernessin Raymond.

The exhibition was co-curated by William Whitaker and Yuka Yokoyama. Whitaker is the curator and manager of the architectural archives at the University of Pennsylvania and has worked with the Raymonds and the Nakashima family for many decades. Whitakers 2006 book and exhibition Crafting a Modern World: the Architecture and Design of Antonin and Nomi Raymond highlighted the designers longtime connection with Japan and Japanese architects and craftspeople from 1917 through 1966. Yokoyama boosted her knowledge of the history of ancient and contemporary Japanese craft by working for hands-on industrial designer Sori Yanagi, a pioneer in modernist Japanese design and the son of Setsu Yanagi, founder of the Mingei movement in Japan.

Shofuso is considered an Utsushi, which Yokoyama described as an homage to spirited inspiration. In Shofuso and Modernism, Utsushis are present everywhere, from the building itself to an ikebana arrangement resembling one at the 1954 MoMA installation to the newly commissioned photography by Elizabeth Felicella. Felicellas photographs, presented through a retro slide projector alongside archival photography by Ezra Stoller, show the current working life of the Raymond Farm and the Nakashima Studio.

Shofuso was always intended to be an exhibition house and not inhabited. Nonetheless, this show has enlivened it with a careful selection of furniture, art, and textiles. Bringing these pieces into Shofusos 15-mat room seemed a natural extension of the shared experiences of the Raymonds, Yoshimura, and Nakashima, Whitaker said. A 1933 Nomi-designed chair with grass rattan covering made for the Akeboshi Tetsuma House in Tokyo is placed next to a standing lamp from the 1950s with a handmade mulberry paper shade, along with a rug bearing a graphic abstraction of a lotus field circa 1935, also by Nomi. Alongside the houses shoin (a built-in desk) by Yoshimura hangs Nomis award-winning textile Strips, Trunks, Trees, Dots from the late 1930s. It was originally exhibited with two of her other fabrics at the 1941 MoMA show Organic Design in Home Furnishings, albeit under her husbands name.

The connection between the Raymonds and their protgs Nakashima and Yoshimura goes back almost 100 years. In 1934, a young George Nakashima from Spokane, Washington, having trained as an architect at the University of Washington, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Fontainebleau, joined the architecture office of Antonin Raymond, who, together with Nomi, had established a practice in Tokyo in 1921 after working with Frank Lloyd Wright on the Imperial Hotel. Nakashima would soon learn through the Raymonds work and writings how vernacular and modern elements could sensibly be joined. The Raymonds evolved an approach over 18 years of working in Japan that addressed the complexity of the cultural context, connected with Japans deep craft and making traditionsall the while maintaining a connection to modernisms interest in universal solutions, Whitaker said. An exceptional example is their summer studio in Karuizawa, Japan, built in 1933. Its design drew inspiration from Le Corbusiers Maison Errzuriz in Chile, an unbuilt project from 1930, but merged details particular to Japanese traditional cottages, such as awnings and organic fiber blinds, with modern concrete constructions, such as cantilevered platforms.

Yoshimura, classically trained in Japanese culture and traditions in Tokyo, had joined the Raymonds as a student in 1928 and later as a full-time architectural designer in 1931. Nakashima learned from Yoshimura the sophisticated nature of Japanese architecture as they traveled together through Nara, Hakone, and Ine. Nakashima reminisced in his 1981 autobiography Soul of a Tree, [Yoshimura] knew so well the elegance and power of simplicity, the beauty of proper materials in building, where the error of a fraction of an inch can make the design fail absolutely. He knew these things well in both the time-honored Japanese design and in the free, modern concepts, and he passed them on to me.

Nakashima was exposed to the craftwork of rural families in one of his first projects with the Raymonds, St. Pauls Church, finished in Karuizawa in 1935. Traditional Japanese carpenters (or daiku) made use of as much of a tree as possible, Whitaker explained. Larger sections [were used] for structural elements, secondary structural elements [were made] from midsize elements, and narrow diameters were used for the legs of furnitureall from the same tree. Even bark had a place in certain projects.

In 1938, Nakashima volunteered to work on the first reinforced concrete building in India, a dormitory for the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry that had been commissioned to the Raymond office. Nomi maintained strong and deep interests in the spiritual basis of work, Whitaker said. Her connections to theosophy and other perspectives that explored the universality of human experience led her to an early interest in Aurobindo in the mid-1920s. Nakashima was also driven toward this mystical approach and embedded it in his life and work. To my mind, this is where Georges work as a woodworker beginsbeginning out of the wellspring of spiritual devotion, Whitaker asserted.

The Raymonds eventually moved their practice to the United States and in 1939 settled on an 18th-century farm of Quaker origin in New Hope, Pennsylvania (currently run by their granddaughter Charlotte). Yoshimura joined them for a year until war hostilities steered him back to Japan. Ironically, this was when Nakashima made the reverse move and decided to settle back in Seattle, where he began his woodworking practice. Shortly after, Nakashima and his family faced dehumanizing hatred of their Japanese ancestry and were forced to undergo imprisonment at the Minidoka concentration camp in Idaho. Guards were ordered to shoot whoever got close to the fence, Mira Nakashima, Georges daughter, recalled. Georges learning from skilled carpenters in Karuizawa and his karma yoga, hands-on work in the ashram at Pondicherry would prove fortuitous for this time. At Minidoka, Nakashima met Gentaro Hikogawa, a daiku from whom he learned woodworking. Such an opportunity would have been unthinkable within the stratified society in Japan.

In the exhibit at Shofuso, a contorted bitterbrush sculpture by Nakashima mounted on a cedar base sits atop a low table. Nakashimas use of bitterbrush has always fascinated me, Whitaker said. Something so humble as gathering wood in the midst of the Idaho desert, at a time of great personal distress and the inhumanity of war, cleaning it up to reveal the beauty and complexity of its growth over timeand to find a way to allow people to touch that, in an everyday wayseems magical to me.

Thanks to Nomis persistent requests, Nakashima was released from the camp with his wife, Marion, and his daughter Mira (leaving his parents and siblings behind) to the Raymonds New Hope farm in May 1943 on the condition that he not practice architecture. The Milk House table that supports the bitterbrush sculpture in the exhibition is a prototype Nakashima built in a small building on the farm that he adapted as his workshop. Some of his earliest 1940s pieces in the show, like the Straight Chair prototype, the Windsor-like Arm Chair, and the Grass-Seated Chair he designed for MoMA director Ren dHarnoncourt, have a heaviness and an earthbound quality that a lot of furniture did not have in the 1940s, design historian Derek Ostergard said in a recently premiered documentary directed by John Terry Nakashima.

The legacy of the Raymonds, the Nakashimas, and Yoshimura is genuine and palpable through this insightful showa coming together of friends and longtime art and design enthusiasts. An original film accompanying the show produced by Greenhouse Media and directed by Philadelphia-based artists Nadia Hironaka and Matthew Suib debuted on October 9 and gives even more information about the shows participants.

Natalia Torija Nieto is an architecture and design writer trained in modern art, design, and material culture at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. She is currently working on a book on the architectural work of George Nakashima.

Read the original post:
Shofuso and Modernism revisits a major mid-century East-West cultural exchange - The Architect's Newspaper

The pictured design from Mary Norris Interiors won in the Outdoor Spaces.

The Interior Design Society (IDS) gathered virtually to honor winners of the 2020 Designer of the Year competition on Oct. 8.

The Designer of the Year competition demonstrates our commitment to recognize the outstanding work of our members nationwide says Jenny Cano, IDS executive director. This year we received a record number of entries, our award-winners consider it a prestigious honor.

The virtual gala, available to view in full at this link, also honored two individuals that received the 2020 Outstanding Leadership Award, Beth Clark of Portland, Ore. and Audrey Clawson of Charlotte, N.C.

The winners of the Designer of the Year competition are:

Space Designs:

Singular Areas:

Specialty Awards

Impact Awards

Adelaide Addie Elliott is the web editor for Casual Living, Furniture Today and Designers Today. Before being promoted to web editor in May 2019, Adelaide worked as Furniture Todays editorial intern for a year. Get in touch with her on Twitter at @AElliott_Writes or by email at aelliott@designerstoday.com.

See the original post here:
Interior Design Society taps Designer of the Year winners in virtual ceremony - http://www.designerstoday.com

Design your passion into the career of your choice!

Were you always the artsy one? The one who (mentally) rearranged every room as soon as you walked into it? The go-to setup committee for every event and celebration?

And then it came time to plan a career. And you dreamed of finding the perfect choice that would allow you to:

Utilize your innate creativity and talents

Work well with your inborn people skills

Hold down a job while completing the coursework

Was that too much to ask for?

ICA, The Institute for Career Advancement, was founded with one overarching goal: that of enabling talented young men and women to fulfill their career dreams at an affordable price, in a timeframe that worked well with the busy lifestyle of todays generation.

The renowned ICA Interior Design Course was created just for you the creative, artistically-inclined soul who wants to channel their inborn gifts so they can profit and live off their talents. This course offers you the ability to turn pro and become a professional interior designer in just 12 months. With separate classes for men and women, and sessions held on evenings or weekends, this course was designed for busy creatives like YOU.

To ensure the very highest standards of education, course instructors are licensed and professional interior designers whose real-life experience in the field brings their lessons to life. The course covers the basics of design style, with an emphasis on aesthetics that doesnt compromise on functionality. Also included are the drafting software and the important technicalities like code compliance and presentation skills, so that you are fully prepared to deal with every job you may encounter.

Why stifle your inner creativity when you channel into a lucrative career? With an over 85% job placement success rate, and a number of graduates who opened their own interior design firms upon completing the course, the ICA Interior Design Course is the option of choice for aspiring interior designers.

Design your passions so that they form the groundwork for your future career success!

Next cohort begins October 25 20. THIS may be YOUR opportunity.

Call 718-506-0912 to register or to learn more.

Read more:
Design your passion into the career of your choice! - Yeshiva World News

'); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(""+val.title+""); // if (window.location.hostname == "www.kmov.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.kctv5.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.azfamily.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.kptv.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.fox5vegas.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.wfsb.com") { if (val.poly != "" && val.polyimg != "") { $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append('"+val.ihtml+""); $("#expandable-weather-block .weather-index-alerts").show(); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body h2").css({"font-family":"'Fira Sans', sans-serif", "font-weight":"500", "padding-bottom":"10px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body p").css({"font-size":"14px", "line-height":"24px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body span.wxalertnum").css({"float":"left", "width":"40px", "height":"40px", "color":"#ffffff", "line-height":"40px", "background-color":"#888888", "border-radius":"40px", "text-align":"center", "margin-right":"12px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body b").css("font-size", "18px"); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body li").css({"font-size":"14px", "line-height":"18px", "margin-bottom":"10px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body ul").css({"margin-bottom":"24px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body pre").css({"margin-bottom":"24px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body img").css({"width":"100%", "margin-bottom":"20px", "borderWidth":"1px", "border-style":"solid", "border-color":"#aaaaaa"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).css({"borderWidth":"0", "border-bottom-width":"1px", "border-style":"dashed", "border-color":"#aaaaaa", "padding-bottom":"10px", "margin-bottom":"40px"}); }); } function parseAlertJSON(json) { console.log(json); alertCount = 0; if (Object.keys(json.alerts).length > 0) { $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body ").empty(); } $.each(json.alerts, function(key, val) { alertCount++; $("#mrd-wx-alerts .alert_count").text(alertCount); $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body ").append(''); $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(""+val.title+""); // if (window.location.hostname == "www.kmov.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.kctv5.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.azfamily.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.kptv.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.fox5vegas.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.wfsb.com") { if (val.poly != "" && val.polyimg != "") { $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(''); } else if (val.fips != "" && val.fipsimg != "") { // $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(''); } // } //val.instr = val.instr.replace(/[W_]+/g," "); $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(val.dhtml+"

Instruction

Read more here:
Port of Portland shares first look of new main terminal design on PDX's 80th anniversary - KPTV.com

Lifestyle and interior designer Amanda Hilton Sawyer is founder of Irish Girl in Brooklyn. She lived in the US for 25 years and moved back to her native Limerick two years ago she wants to bring that Brooklyn look here.

*What have you done to make your home more eco-friendly?

I have a Victorian house in the city that its 100 years old is of itself an environmental choice. The walls are two feet thick. When we were putting in a window, the builder said thick walls were that eras insulation they didnt allow damp to penetrate.

Everything I do is sustainable I have expensive taste so, if I buy anything, its for life. I believe sustainable should include workers rights and fair trade. When I lived in America, I bought from union factories [where workers have a union]. If you buy something cheap and the materials are sustainable but it was produced in a factory where labours underpaid or conditions are sub-par thats not acceptable. For me, coming from a working-class background, thats a deeply-instilled belief.

I have an aversion to anything disposable. If I get tired of it I change its use, repurpose it or send it to auction. Most of my choices are based on that philosophy. Ive had old linen curtains repurposed into roman blinds for most of the house.

All my furnitures old.

I only ever use low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint. My wallpaper isnt vinyl-coated. All my sheets are organic fair-trade linen, which wash so well and become better with time well worth the upfront investment. My cutlerys old silver-plate, available at every flea market in the world cheap and fabulous. I also collect and use old mason ironstone white plates they have a great look. *Whats the most do-able eco-friendly home decor idea you've come across?

I love the [current] dried flower trend. Many florists are trying to do only local flowers now because the flower business can be so toxic roses in supermarkets are usually from Africa, where theyre grown with lots of pesticides. But at certain times of year, there arent many local flowers, so theres a trend towards using dried flower arrangements. An over-the-top arrangement looks amazing on mantle, sideboard or dining table. You can have fun foraging for branches and twigs, as well as drying your own flowers, e.g. hydrangeas. And at the holidays dress it up to be festive, or add fresh flowers in spring.

*What sustainability-conscious household habits do you routinely practice at home?

I use eco cleaning products. I buy veg at farmers markets to avoid plastic packaging. We walk 90% of the time thats why it was important for me to live in town. Its how we lived in Brooklyn and I didnt want to give that up. Im not getting in a car to buy a pint of milk!

An interior designer for 25 years, Gwen Kenny is founder of Dublin-based Divine Design. She lives in South Dublin.

*What have you done to make your home more eco-friendly?

It was a two-storey, three-bed house. Then we did an attic conversion and two extensions. We insulated all exterior walls and the roof space to reduce heating costs.

We also changed the heating system. Its much more economical. Its a zoned system you can have just the upstairs heating on or the downstairs. Its operated by thermostat once it hits the temperature youve set, it turns off. We have thermostatically-controlled radiator valves so you can set the temperature you want in each room.

We added a stove in the back extension, where we mostly live. Its a wood-burning stove of course, there arent endless supplies of wood but its more efficient than a coal fire. All our light-bulbs are energy-efficient. *What's the most do-able eco-friendly home decor idea you've come across?

I bought an amazing sideboard and mirror in an auction house a huge, fabulously-carved Jacobean piece. It was heavy, dark brown and nobody wanted it. I got it for 300, I painted it and then everybody wanted it! Nobody could see it out of its ugly duckling phase my husband said what did you buy that for when he saw it. I painted it grey and highlighted it with very soft white. We went to see Downton Abbey and they had the exact same sideboard. My husband, Tadhg, said look, they have our sideboard I wanted to rewind, but of course you cant in a movie!

I could see the quality in it from the start, the weeks alone itd have taken to do the carving they dont make stuff like that anymore. I didnt use any new materials other than paint, so I see it as really minimising our footprint. *What sustainability-conscious household habits do you routinely practise at home?

We try to be a non-plastic family for example, we buy vegetables loose rather than in packaging. We recycle as much as possible I have a wormery in my garden. You get plant food and composting out of it. We use old-fashioned hand soap rather than plastic bottles. I do in the shower too. I get them from Dalkey Handmade Soaps, which also makes shampoo in bars. I havent convinced the kids yet though theyre 17 and 10 thats a work in progress!

Cork-based interior designer Cathy Angelini set up Flamingo Interior Design in 2017.

*What have you done to make your home more eco-friendly?

A lot of the furniture is vintage most rooms in my house in Waterfall have two or three pieces. Any storage unit I buy is vintage or antique. I have a 1960s writing bureau in the hallway that we use as a hall table. Nearby is an armchair from the 1970s next to a table from the 70s with an old record player on it.

I didnt go vintage with the sofa it can be hard to get one in good condition. Comforts key in a sofa, so we went new with that. My beds also new but my eight-year-old daughter Nancys bed is an old iron one we got on Done Deal. *What's the most do-able eco-friendly home decor idea you've come across?

When looking at dcor, go for natural materials. Choose eco-friendly paint with fewer chemicals and where pots are recyclable. Get hands-on with up-cycling. Rather than throwing out a tired old bed-side table, I painted it bright blue and put some brass handles on it and its now in my daughters room. *What sustainability-conscious household habits do you routinely practise at home?

I dont own a dryer and have no plans to get one. I line-dry clothes or use the clothes horse.

I dont use spray cleaners. I buy a bar of cleaning soap wrapped in brown paper from Green Outlook (https://www.greenoutlook.ie/). I bought one in October, it lasted four months and cost only 4.50. You wouldnt clean an oven with it but its great for cleaning down countertops, the sink, dining room table or, when doing a deep clean, the window frames. And it smells lovely.

Green Outlook also does eco-friendly beauty products I use reusable make-up pads, as well as bamboo toothbrushes. Theyre biodegradable and look nice.

My daughters using solid bars of shampoo and conditioner from Holland & Barrett. Im shortly going to make that switch. When you squeeze shampoo out of a bottle, you tend to use too much, whereas a bars a slower process and its great for travel.

Here is the original post:
Meet the interior designers who take pride in their green houses - Irish Examiner

Portland, Oregon-headquartered architecture firm ZGF Architects is celebrating the 80th anniversary of its hometown air travel hub, the Portland International Airport (PDX), by publicly sharing several early design renderings of the upcoming new main terminal at the airport, expected to be completed in 2025.

With a price tag of $1.5 billion, the new main terminal building at PDX is the largest of five major capital improvement projects that have been completed or are underway at the airport as part of the Port of Portlands PDX Next campaign. Designed by Hennebery Eddy and Fentress Architects, an expanded Concourse E opened to the public this summer as part of the $2 billion airport overhaul. Meanwhile, a redeveloped and expanded Concourse B, also designed by ZGF, along with a revamped rental car center and parking additions are all due to be completed in fall 2021. Concourse A, home to the last remaining swath of PDXs extremely locally beloved geometric-pattern teal carpeting, was closed for demolition late last year to make way for the new Concourse B.

As for the 17,5000-square-foot new main terminal, ZGF cites the rugged landscapes of the Pacific Northwest as being a major influence in its health- and wellness-focused designa design that will boast nature-infused interiors and a spacious, versatile footprint geared to accommodate an anticipated influx in passenger volume at PDX in the coming years. Frequently highly rated by passengers as one of the best domestic airports based on various criteria, PDX currently ranks as the 30th busiest airport in the United States based on total passenger traffic, falling in between Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu and Nashville International Airport.

The influence of the regions natural landscapes will be most evident in the terminals vasttimber roof, which will be studded with massive skylights and stretch across enlarged lobby and ticketing areas. As noted by ZGF in a news release, the roof, which will begin installation in 2022, is to be constructednot at all surprisinglyfrom sustainably sourced regional wood.

The roof design was inspired by the forests of the Pacific Northwest and the feeling you get while walking through the woods, the experience of light filtering through the trees, and the protection of the tree canopy, explained Sharron van der Meulen, ZGF partner and lead interior designer for the project, of the terminals strong arboreal influence.

In addition to the timber roof, the outdoors-y vibes continue throughout the interior of the energy-efficient, earthquake-safe terminal with plans for a considerable amount of lush greenery to be incorporated into the design.

While the design of the terminal pays explicit homage to the forests and coastlines of the Pacific Northwest, it also nods to the human-scaled, neighborhood-oriented streetscapes of Portland itself. As elaborated by ZGF, passengers traveling through the new main terminal can expect to see independent storefronts clustered together along a tree-lined street and cafe seating spilling out onto sidewalks.

Were taking the airport that has served the region well for the past 80 years and updating and upgrading it, said Vince Granato, chief projects officer with the Port of Portland. While the space will look and feel different, we are keeping the heart and soul of the airport that Portlanders know and loveeasy to navigate; bright, open spaces; and local shops and restaurantsit will still feel like home.

Read the original:
Get an early glimpse of the new timber-topped main terminal at Portland International Airport - The Architect's Newspaper

Giorgio Armani was not the first boldface fashion designer to get into the home businessRalph Lauren beat him by at least two decades, and a long list of apparel brands, from Calvin Klein and Herms to Liz Claiborne, have all played in the home space over the years. Some, like Armani, have opened their own dedicated home stores, too.

But as the famed Italian designer celebrates the 20th anniversary of Armani/Casa, it is worth noting the unique position the brand has carved out for itself in both the U.S. and around the world, retaining its elite status with just a handful of stores and a low-key profile. (In fact, other than an editorial feature in the September issue of Wallpaper*, there has been no official celebration of the two-decade mark, in keeping with the brands understated approach.)

Yet Armani/Casa is perceived to be in a class by itself: a brand that translates Armanis designs into upholstered furniture, textiles and tabletop. Unlike other European luxury brandsLouis Vuitton, Gucci and Prada come to mindthere are no logos or interlocking patterns that instantly identify the products provenance. If you know Giorgio Armani, you will recognize his home furnishings. If you dontwell, you wont.

Armani/Casa was launched in 2000, when Armani opened the first dedicated home store in Milan, where his company is headquartered. A year later, the brand arrived in the U.S. with the debut of showrooms in New York and Los Angeles, as well as an additional European outlet in Paris. Today there are four North American locations, including Miami and the first Canadian store, which opened in Vancouver last year. Other stores are located in Shanghai, Beijing and Tokyo, and the company also sells online.

Retail Insider, a Canadian e-newsletter, trumpeted the brands aesthetic while reporting on the Vancouver store opening: For decades the Armani name has been synonymous with exquisite taste and Italian style. The Armani/Casa brand embodies simple but elegant style. Giorgio Armani loves linear design, minimalism interlinked with cultural connotations, and art deco style of the 1930s.

More recently, Armani has expanded his Casa brand into new areas, including hotels and residential design, through the Milan-based interior design arm of his business, which he launched in 2004. Residences by Armani/Casa, a 60-story oceanfront condominium tower in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, designed by celebrated Argentinian architect Csar Pelli, opened earlier this year. The brand also extends beyond furnishings into other home categories through several partnerships, including kitchens with Dada, bathroom fixtures with Roca, textiles with Rubelli, and wallcoverings with Jannelli & Volpi.

Although the original New York and Los Angeles stores were in bustling retail districts, the brand moved into design centers (the D&D Building and the Pacific Design Center) in 2011. Come 2023, it is scheduled to be on the street once again in New York as part of a new Armani flagship on Madison Avenue.

The Armani/Casa website says the collection is the pursuit of symmetry & harmony, and for 20 years it has been thatnot a single thing more. In the Wallpaper* feature, Armani acknowledges the milestone: I successfully and independently expanded into sectors beyond fashion to offer my all-embracing philosophy of lifestyle. I can say this is an enormous achievement.

Homepage photo: The interior of the Residences by Armani/Casa condominium tower, which was designed by Csar Pelli | Dezer Development

____________

Warren Shoulberg is the former editor in chief for several leading B2B publications. He has been a guest lecturer at the Columbia University Graduate School of Business; received honors from the International Furnishings and Design Association and the Fashion Institute of Technology; and been cited by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN and other media as a leading industry expert. His Retail Watch columns offer deep industry insights on major markets and product categories.

Read this article:
After 20 years in business, Armani/Casa is still in a class of its own - Business of Home

The Minnesota Chapter of NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, did not allow Covid-19 to get in the way of recognizing excellent projects. Sixteen projects recently won Awards of Excellence, including three projects that tied for best senior living development.

This was a big year for suburban development. Eight of the award winners are located in Twin Cities suburbs, five are in Minneapolis, and one apiece are in Rochester, St. Cloud, and St. Paul.

A total of 37 projects were nominated this year for awards in 14 categories. The judges evaluated the buildings on project development, function and design, architectural integrity, market feasibility, sustainable attributes, and unique project challenges. The winning properties, announced at a virtual event on September 23, are profiled below.

Location: 520 4th St. N., MinneapolisOwner: Gregory Cuda, 45th North Loop Partners LLCDeveloper: N/AGeneral Contractor: Rochon CorporationArchitect: ESG Architecture & DesignInterior Designer: Horwitz, Inc.Size: 17,236 square feet

This food collective or food hall was constructed on top of an underground parking ramp for the Bookmen Stacks condominiums. Located in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis, the exterior design of the food hall features buff colored brick, grey, and black metal panels, glass, and cedar wood. The buildings two levels house six kitchens, two bars, and a caf. A local chef, offering distinctive dishes, works out of each of the kitchens. The projects second-floor patio offers an exceptional view of the citys downtown skyline. The interiors industrial aesthetic is achieved through exposed concrete flooring and ceilings.

Location: 9879 Naples St. NE, BlaineOwner: MortensonDeveloper: Colliers InternationalGeneral Contractor: MortensonArchitect: Mohagen HansenInterior Designer: Mohagen HansenSize: 68,000 square feet

The company relocated its headquarters from Roseville to Blaine. To ensure the move was affordable, builder and developer Mortenson secured $1.2 million in tax-increment financing from the city of Blaine. The 68,000 square-foot project was completed in May 2019 for Crown Iron Works, which is an equipment manufacturer for the oilseed processing industry. The project land was formerly a Mortenson equipment yard, so the headquarters will enhance the property tax base over the long haul. A workforce of about 120 moved into the new facility in 2019, with about 100 earning more than $90,000 a year.

Location: 580 Opperman Dr., EaganOwner: Opus Development Company, LLCDeveloper: Opus Development Company, LLCGeneral Contractor: Opus Design Build, LLCArchitect: Opus AE Group, LLCInterior Designer: Opus AE Group, LLCSize: 153,000 square feet

With a low vacancy rate in the southeast metro for industrial space, this bulk warehouse was built as a speculative project. Thirty percent of the building was preleased before construction was finished. The building, which has 153,000 square feet of space, is located near major transportation routes. The construction team needed to adjust to a rainy fall and the arrival of Covid-19 in early 2020, but it managed to successfully complete the project. A storm sewer also had to be relocated. The front facade contains a large amount of brick, which is unusual for an industrial bulk warehouse.

Location: 48 Northern Stacks Dr., FridleyOwner: Northern Stacks V LLC (a JV of Hyde Development & Mortenson Properties)Developer: Hyde DevelopmentGeneral Contractor: M.A. Mortenson CompanyArchitect: Mohagen HansenInterior Designer: Mohagen HansenSize: 118,000 square feet

This building was the fifth constructed for a master planned business park being developed on a former federal and state superfund site. Because of the lands status, the development has proceeded after extensive work and collaboration with regulatory authorities from federal, state, and local governments. Mortenson Construction and Braun Intertec led the project team to complete the buildings construction under tight timelines. It was leased by Heraeus Medical Components and Axalta Coating Systems. The industrial structure has a modern design, which features extensive glass on the front. Sustainable attributes include a white roof and extensive natural light.

Read more from this issue

Location: 8610 Galpin Blvd., ChanhassenOwner: Eden Trace CorporationDeveloper: Eden Trace CorporationGeneral Contractor: RJ RyanArchitect: Edward Farr ArchitectsInterior Designer: N/ASize: 378,000 square feet

The 50-acre site where this two-building development is located is the former home of Holasek Greenhouse. Before the project could be built, significant swamp deposits and other site obstacles needed to be tackled. What ultimately was constructed are two industrial buildings that sit back-to-back, which allow loading docks to be hidden from view. Truck and auto traffic are separated to enhance safety of the site. The contemporary building facade includes multicolored and multitextured precast panels, tall glass entries, clerestory windows, solar screens, and soft curves. Stormwater runoff is collected on the site and used to irrigate landscaped areas.

Location: 880 Village Way, WaconiaOwner: Twin Cities OrthopedicsDeveloper: Excelsior GroupGeneral Contractor: RJM ConstructionArchitect: Sperides Reiners ArchitectsInterior Designer: Sperides Reiners ArchitectsSize: 21,000 square feet

RJM Construction and Sperides Reiners Architects teamed up to design and build a state-of-the-art physical therapy and sports performance clinic. It offers physical and hand therapy and a sports performance program. The 18,000 square-foot facility includes a fitness studio, gym space with turf and basketball surfaces, a weight room area with rubber flooring, medical office space, a conference room with a movable glass wall, and an underwater treadmill. Precast walls were used in the athletic training area, where the building needed both durability and function. In that portion of the building, a curved barrel roof provides a distinctive architectural element.

Location: 3945 Market St., EdinaOwner: Market Street LLCDeveloper: Buhl Investors and Saturday PropertiesGeneral Contractor: Frana CompaniesArchitect: Mohagen Hansen Architecture | InteriorsInterior Designer: Mohagen Hansen Architecture | InteriorsSize: 293,584 square feet

This luxury housing and retail development is located in the well-known 50th and France area of Edina. Nolan Mains consists of ground-level retail space with five levels of apartments above. Planners wanted to achieve a timeless design and incorporated features from surrounding architecture as well as quaint European villages. Amenity spaces include a lending library, sunroom, fitness area, dog run with wash area, fireplace lounge, rathskeller with poker table, kitchen with dining space, conservatory, an outdoor patio, and a rooftop deck. Several neighborhood meetings were held to address community concerns before the project proceeded.

Location: 6630 Richfield Pkwy., RichfieldOwner: Inland Development Partners/Kraus-Anderson DevelopmentDeveloper: Inland Development Partners/Kraus-Anderson DevelopmentGeneral Contractor: Kraus-Anderson ConstructionArchitect: UrbanWorks ArchitectureInterior Designer: UrbanWorks ArchitectureSize: 345,500 square feet

Named after local World War I pilot Cyrus Chamberlain, the apartment complex is the first new multi-family project on Richfields east side in almost 30 years. The Chamberlain Apartments consist of 283 new units spread across three buildings and 33 renovated units in three existing buildings that were constructed in 1964. The rehabilitation efforts included replacing bathroom and kitchen areas. The new apartment buildings pay homage to the Richfield rambler of years agoshowcasing lap siding and bold colors. In the overall development, 80 percent of units are at market rates and 20 percent are allocated for affordable housing.

Location: 333 Hennepin Ave. E., MinneapolisOwner: GA/MDI 333 Hennepin Associates LLCDeveloper: Mortenson/The Excelsior GroupGeneral Contractor: MortensonArchitect: Cuningham GroupInterior Designer: Cuningham/Studio BVSize: 471,063 square feet

This 26-story apartment complex was built to reflect the character of northeast Minneapolis. The towers white concrete is a nod to the nearby grain elevators, and the apartment buildings brick base is loyal to the scale and material of the surrounding streetscape. The facades textured charcoal concrete evokes the images of modern ceramic arts. Throughout the Rafter, designers included hints of wood, exposed concrete, and metal. This $83 million project consists of 283 apartment units, six levels of heated parking, and a seventh-level amenity deck. In August 2019, construction was completed on the building, which includes a three-story tall mural.

Location: 241 N. 5th Ave., MinneapolisOwner: North Loop Partners LLCDeveloper: Swervo Development CorporationGeneral Contractor: Mortenson ConstructionArchitect: Yellow Dog StudioInterior Designer: Yellow Dog StudioSize: 550,086 square feet

This 13-story structure is located on Fifth Avenue in the heart of the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis. It consists of 210,000 square feet of Class A office space that features a brick facade. It offers expansive views of Minneapolis, including industrial warehouse buildings. Swervo Development designed and constructed the building to house Calabrio, a growing technology business that defines itself as the customer experience intelligence company. Calabrio moved into four floors of office space in the fall of 2019, but the business transitioned its employees to working from home in March because of Covid-19.

Location: 282 6th St. E., St. PaulOwner and DEVELOPER: Ackerberg Group, Northland Real Estate GroupGeneral Contractor: Weis Builders, Ryan PetersonArchitect: Pope Architects, Gonzalo Villares, and Dan PollastriniInterior Designer: E. Christen DesignSize: 21,600 square feet

A warehouse built in 1889 has been converted into 9,500 square feet of retail space and 26 studio apartments in St. Pauls Lowertown district. Project planners embraced the historic nature of the building by restoring the original wood floors and preserving transom glass. The market-rate housing development includes a fitness area, bike storage, and lounge. Its located within walking distance of many restaurants and CHS Field. The units have interior brick walls and modern quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances.

Location: 215 37th Ave. N., St. CloudOwner: Great Lakes ManagementDeveloper: Ryan Companies US, Inc.General Contractor: Ryan Companies US, Inc.Architect: Ryan Companies A+E and UrbanWorksInterior Designer: Ryan Companies A+ESize: 168,500 square feet

Ryan Companies and Great Lakes Management joined together to develop this project to address a need for modern senior living units in the St. Cloud area. The result was a 168,000 square-foot senior living community, which consists of 64 independent living, 50 assisted living, and 24 memory care units. The project maximizes efficiency and functionality in the living unit spaces. Seniors are able to access many amenities, including dining rooms, a bistro, library, activity rooms, therapy area, salon, club room, multiple gathering and lounge spaces, exterior walking paths, a courtyard, and heated underground parking.

Location: 21 1st St. SW, RochesterOwner: Rochester Property Owner LLC (Ryan Companies and Harrison Street)Developer: Tony Barranco, Ryan Companies US, Inc.General Contractor: Ryan Companies US, Inc.Architect: Ryan Companies US, Inc.Interior Designer: Ryan Companies US, Inc.Size: 101,215 square feet

Pre-renovation this Wells Fargo building didnt facilitate connections to other buildings. A significant transformation was undertaken that covered 101,215 square feet of the structure. An iconic glass addition to the lobby was among the major upgrades. Exterior glass was replaced to create a more transparent and open working environment. The south facade was altered and an expansive interior connecting stairway was used to offer clear visibility to the street and Peace Plaza. The retail bank and tenant office spaces also were updated.

Location: 22 Malcolm Ave., MinneapolisOwner: Oppidan Investment Company and Harrison StreetDeveloper: Oppidan Investment CompanyGeneral Contractor: Weis BuildersArchitect: Tushie Montgomery ArchitectsInterior Designer: Reilly Interiors, Tracy Constable, SonusSize: 340,800 square feet

In a neighborhood near the University of Minnesota campus, a senior living project was constructed thats 340,000 square feet in scale. The 10-story complex contains 283 housing units for independent living, assisted living, and memory care. It opened during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Pillars, located on 1.64 acres, was designed after communication with the Prospect Park Neighborhood Association. Project planners said their biggest challenge was crafting a design that met their goals and could work on a small site. A unique element of this development is a childcare center that serves 105 children ranging in age from infants to pre-kindergarten.

Location: 929 NE 2nd St., MinneapolisOwner: Catholic EldercareDeveloper: Catholic EldercareGeneral Contractor: Frana CompaniesArchitect: Miller HansenInterior Designer: BDHSize: 97,063 square feet

This project is targeted to baby boomers who want to downsize from their single-family homes and move into a 62 and older senior community. Developed by Catholic Eldercare, this senior housing is located near Catholic Eldercares transitional care, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care facilities. As people age and the type of health care and support they need increases, they could readily move to one of the other facilities without having to leave their neighborhood. The senior living communitys amenities include a caf, craft room, dog run, patio, wellness room, and clubroom.

Location: 900 189 Ave. NE, East BethelOwner: The Hills Youth and Family ServicesDeveloper: Kraus-Anderson DevelopmentGeneral Contractor: Kraus-Anderson ConstructionArchitect: TKDAInterior Designer: Details Commercial GroupSize: 62,640 square feet

The state sought proposals for psychiatric residential treatment facility operators, which prompted this development. It combines housing, education, and psychiatric treatment under one roof to transform mental health services for children ages 6 to 17. It has eight residential suites. The bedrooms have large, heated window nooks and views of the sites 27 acres of woods. The living rooms are large and sunny. The project features modern design elements, culturally diverse art, vaulted ceilings, and secure courtyards.

Sixteen NAIOP awards were given to outstanding projects this year. A virtual awards ceremony was held September 23. Twenty-one other projects were recognized as nominees. Here are the nominees by category:

Industrial, Build-to-Suit

Amazon Last Mile, Maple Grove

Renewal by Andersen Value Add Center, Cottage Grove

CityPlace Medical II, Woodbury

Woodbury Medical Building, Woodbury

Lowa46, Minneapolis

MN46, Minneapolis

Irvine Exchange, St Paul

SECOND + SECOND, Minneapolis

The Fenley Luxury Apartments, Bloomington

The Maven on Broadway, Rochester

3701 Wayzata Boulevard, Minneapolis

McGough Headquarters, St. Paul

Northern Stacks Boiler Room, Fridley

Chartwell, Minneapolis

Marsh & McLennan Agency, Golden Valley

Second Harvest Heartland Distribution Center, Brooklyn Park

TractorWorks, Minneapolis

University Enterprise Laboratories, St. Paul

Applewood Pointe of Maple Grove, Maple Grove

RH Minneapolis, The Gallery in Edina, Edina

The Fillmore Theatre and Element by Westin at Target Field Station, Minneapolis

Murray Kornberg, executive vice president of commercial lending for Colliers Mortgage, is the winner of the 2020 NAIOP Minnesota Presidents Award. It is NAIOPs highest honor, and the winner is selected by chapter leaders from a field of candidates nominated by members.

During a career that has spanned more than three decades, Kornberg has been involved in closing more than $3 billion of commercial real estate loans.

In 2019, he led the Dougherty Funding LLC team that arranged financing for the Eleven condominium project in Minneapolis. Having two of the industrys leading capital providers approve the largest loan ever for a ground up multi-family project in the state is a testament to the vitality of this project, Kornberg said in a September 2019 statement. Colliers International subsequently acquired Dougherty, which Kornberg joined in 2016.

Ive had the privilege of seeing Murray work, and his ability to structure and execute on complex deals is second to none, said Anders Pesavento, NAIOP Minnesota president and vice president of capital markets, Ryan Companies US, Inc. On the luxury condominium Eleven project, Ryan Companies is a co-developer and builder of the 41-story structure.

The NAIOP Presidents Award is given to people who have made outstanding contributions to the commercial real estate industry as well as NAIOP and the broader community.

Before launching his commercial real estate career, Kornberg earned a bachelors degree in business administration from the University of Western Ontario and a masters degree in hotel administration from Cornell University. He was president of his own real estate development firm, a vice president of CSM Corporation, and a senior vice president with CBRE Capital Markets.

Throughout his career, Murray has been a longtime contributor to our real estate community both in raising the awareness of the Twin Cities as a great market for investors and as a fantastic leader and volunteer with NAIOP, Pesavento said. Kornberg is a former president of NAIOP Minnesota, served several terms as a board member, and he chaired the organizations Education Committee and Political Action Committee.

A frequent speaker and moderator at NAIOP programs, Murray has led countless spirited discussions and created many memorable moments, NAIOP said in a statement announcing the award. A well-known advocate for the power of mentorship, Murray has assisted many young professionals in getting established in their career.

Originally posted here:
2020 NAIOP Awards Minnesota Properties of Distinction - Twin Cities Business Magazine

Ann Sacks: Itai Bar-On

PORTLAND, Ore. (PRWEB) October 15, 2020

ANN SACKS began working with gifted product designer, Israel-based Itai Bar-On, in 2016, introducing the Itai Bar-On Collection of cement designs that pushed the materials normal boundaries in extraordinary ways. The subsequent introduction of the Pas Deco designs reinforced Bar-Ons abilities of taking common cement and elevating it to an art form. These latest, three-dimensional designs bring the collection full circle, referencing back to some of Bar-Ons earliest experimentations into the pliable, resilient nature of cement and the complexity of form that could be achieved when looking at the medium through a different lens.

From the time Bar-On was in graduate school, he began exploring the use of concrete in interior design. The idea for the bending of concrete began as a concept to play with concrete as if it were a plasticine, said Bar-On. I wasnt thinking of a tile when I did my research, the idea was to develop a method so I could do many things with it. The research was based on two things: The material and the mold. On one hand, I was trying to achieve the best formula for the concrete, and on the other, developing a unique mold that could combine perfectly with the material.

The new 12x12 tiles Arrow, Pyramid, Zed, and Gal exhibit depth of dimensional quality with soft rounded corners and gentle coloration that seems to shift and move under the surface. The tiles are smooth to the touch, slightly honed with a bit of sheen that creates a reflective surface when light carries through a room. A proprietary technique was developed by Bar-On to maintain a smooth, unmarred surface without facial pits or inclusions to take away from its sculptural form. A complementing plain 12x12 field tile is also offered by ANN SACKS and all are available in the collections palette of White, Grey and Black colorways. The Itai Bar-On Collection is designed for interior feature wall applications and can withstand high heat, making it a perfect choice for a fireplace surround.

This collection recalls back to some of my earliest studies into cement and its intriguing abilities, and my focus as a young designer to make an industrial product using geometric lines that would provide several looks and determine how it would interact within a room, said Bar-On. The inspiration comes from basic geometry and computer software integration creating basic shapes that can only happen in 3D using the computer. For example, the "pyramid" appears to be a relatively simple tile where only the center rises, but in fact, there is not one straight surface. This gives each tile character, as does the light, how it reflects and refracts and meets the wall from different angles in a unique performance of shadow and light.

About Itai Bar-OnItai Bar-On is a graduate of the Industrial Design Department of the Shenkar School of Design, Bar-On where, as part of his graduation studies, he explored the limits of working with concrete and placing the common material in a new context while stretching the acceptable boundaries of the matter. Awarded with the prestigious 2010 Designers Award, Bar-On started to develop high-end design products and three-dimensional wall coverings from cement. Standing behind this innovative technology of FREE CONCRETE,

Bar-On set up a boutique studio eight years ago creating objects with a feeling of lightness and movement, which contrast and defy the preconceptions of heavy weight material. Bar-Ons works continue to demonstrate his abilities and seen in many designed spaces in Israel and worldwide.

About ANN SACKSFounded in 1981, ANN SACKS has built its reputation with inspiring designs in tile, stone, plumbing, lighting and accessories. Based in Portland, Ore., the company, along with sister brands, KALLISTA plumbing, Robern mirrored cabinetry and vanities, and KOHLER Lighting, is a division of the Kohler Co. Decorative Products Group, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohler Co.

About KOHLERFounded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wis., Kohler Co. is one of Americas oldest and largest privately held companies. Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products, engines and power generation systems, cabinetry, tile and home interiors, and international host to award-winning hospitality and world-class golf destinations.

For additional information regarding the Itai Bar-On Collection or other ANN SACKS products, consumers can call toll-free 1-800-278-TILE or visit the ANN SACKS website at http://www.annsacks.com.

Share article on social media or email:

See the original post here:
ANN SACKS AND ITAI BAR-ON Unveil Three- Dimensional Cement Designs to the Itai Bar-On Collection - PR Web

HIGH POINT WithIt, a womens leadership development network for the home and furnishings industries, has announced the nominees for its 2020 WOW Awards along with the addition of a new Visionary Award.

These annual awards recognize business leaders nominated by their peers who have contributed to the success of the home and furnishings industry and have demonstrated significant impact on their companies and the industry.

Kimberly Ward

The new Visionary Award honors a woman of achievement whose insight and actions have significantly impacted the home and furnishings industries. WithIt is presenting this award posthumously to Kimberly Ward, founder of the Black Interior Designers Network. Keia McSwaim, current president of the network, will accept the award in her honor.

Kims legacy is the blueprint to any organization fighting for visibility, said McSwaim. She was a pioneer and legend, totally aware of her colleagues monumental attributes to the community.

McSwaim said Ward exemplified all the qualities of a visionary by creating an award-winning interior design blog, Pink Eggshell, while building her successful design firm, Kimberly and Cameron Interiors.

Ward also published a list of the Top 20 African American Interior Designers, which eventually became the Black Interior Designers Network, an organization whose mission is to promote diversity and inclusion within the interior design industry by highlighting designers of color and supporting black designers with business development opportunities.

WithIt recognizes Wards work to bring inclusion to black designers in the industry with the organizations inaugural Visionary Award, since her vision helped to shine the spotlight on black interior designers and created a platform for the designers to network, mentor and support each others business aspirations.

In addition to honoring Ward, WithIt will present WOW Awards in five additional categories:

Due to the pandemic, the board of directors has postponed the gala celebrating the WOW Awards until April 16, 2021, where finalists and recipients will be celebrated during a small gathering. The traditional 2021 WOW Awards gala will return to celebrate 2020 and 2021 recipients on Oct. 15, 2021.

Read the original:
WithIt announces WOW Award nominees - Furniture Today