Haroulla Georgiou appointed Associate at align
(UK) - Multi-disciplinary, London-based practice align has announced a new internal promotion.
Architect Haroulla Georgiou, who joined align three and a half years ago, now forms part of a longer-term expansion plan for the company and has been appointed align’s first-ever Associate.
"With a number of new joiners in recent months, including Senior Designer Ben Pressley, Junior Designer and Sustainability Researcher Amy Roberts, and Junior Designer Laura Palmer, align is undergoing a period of expansion. Ensuring a robust internal management structure is very much part of that new vision" comments Nigel Tresise, the company’s Co-Founder, Director, and Owner, adding that "During the pandemic period, Haroulla’s management of one of our most important blue-chip accounts has exposed her to the nuances of client relationships and has seen her rapidly develop as a highly-capable team leader."
Georgiou was brought up in Cyprus, studied architecture at Leeds Beckett University, and has worked in the UK since 2014. In 2021, she was included in the MIX Interiors ’30 Under 30’ list of rising industry stars, where her "fantastic design aptitude and a real eye for detail" were highlighted.
Georgiou will also play an active role in align’s business development practice, including networking, PR, and company advocacy, in addition to running projects.Georgiou commented on her new role, saying "It’s great to work at a practice like align, where creativity, hard work, and dedication are recognised and rewarded. As an Associate, I will be working closely with Nigel Tresise to manage a range of prestigious projects, take a strategic oversight of team management and develop client relationships."
IALD appoints Christopher Knowlton as CEO
(USA) – The IALD has announced that Christopher Knowlton has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the association and Executive Director of the IALD Education Trust as Ashley Robbins, CAE, steps down from her role as Interim CEO to take a new post with another association, effective 1 June.
During Robbins’ nine-year tenure with IALD as Director of Membership and subsequently Interim CEO, she has worked with members across the world to advance the association’s mission of promoting the global profession of lighting design through leadership and advocacy. “Ashley’s contribution and commitment to the lighting design profession will be felt for years to come. We are incredibly grateful to her for the work she has undertaken in very challenging conditions,” said IALD President Monica Luz Lobo.
The IALD Board of Directors selected Christopher Knowlton as the new permanent CEO for the IALD; a former lighting designer of 15 years and business owner who has been involved with the IALD and IALD Education Trust since 2010, Knowlton most recently served as IALD Treasurer. Brandon Thrasher has been selected by the board to replace Knowlton through the end of the 2021-22 term, with Carla Wilkins appointed as the President’s Selected Director to serve the remainder of the 2021-22 term.
Lobo said of Knowlton’s appointment: “Christopher has been instrumental in guiding the association through challenging times and safeguarding its future. He is exceptionally well placed to maintain continuity while also progressing new ideas and advancing the association.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to partner with the IALD Board of Directors, IALD Education Trust and staff team. We have a great opportunity to not only advance the association’s mission and vision, but the profession of lighting design as a while,” added Knowlton.
Lucent Lighting partners with interiors company Monarca
(Middle East) – Lucent Lighting has announced a new collaboration with architectural and design consultancy, Monarca. Working in partnership throughout the Middle East, Lucent and Monarca hope to revolutionise the industry with innovative lighting concepts to create breathtaking interiors that range in style and character.
Established by industry expert, Skander Dardour, Monarca will take advantage of Skandour’s wealth of expertise in construction and high-end lighting to enhance luxury interiors for contemporary homes, futuristic hotels, extraordinary landscaping and luxury retail stores.
Partnering with some of the most premium brands in the field of furniture, art, and lighting – Monarca’s new collaboration with Lucent will deliver exceptional architectural lighting for some of the Middle East’s most prestigious architectural and interior design projects, reaffirming Monarca’s clear ambition to provide exquisite creations for its clients.
The long-standing reputation of Lucent, combined with the ambition and design passion of Monarca, is an exciting pairing that both companies are hopeful will deliver spectacular outcomes across the Middle East.
Skander Dardour, Founder and CEO of Monarca and Lucent Middle East Agent, says: “I have long been an admirer of Lucent’s products and I am honoured to represent them in the Middle East. High-quality lighting is integral to the success of every interior and architectural design project and Lucent’s superior lighting more than delivers for our clients.”
Michael Dunk, Owner and CEO of Lucent, adds: “It is a real privilege to work alongside Skander Dardour; his wealth of industry knowledge and attention to detail has resulted in the creation of world-class design projects that are much admired by the industry. We are delighted to partner with Monarca and very much look forward to seeing how our products are incorporated into some of the Middle East’s most luxurious design projects.”
Designers Mind to host conversation on rest and wellbeing
(Online) – Designers Mind is hosting an online conversation exploring the impact of rest on our wellbeing and work.
Led by Kaye Preston, Founder of Designers Mind, Interior Designer and Holistic Health Coach, and Kael Gillam, Principal Lighting Designer at Hoare Lea and Designers Mind contributor, the session is the first in a series of ‘dm talks’ sessions.
During the talk, Preston and Gillam will explore the impact of prioritising rest and incorporating more breaks throughout the day on wellbeing and work.
“It can feel counterproductive to take time out of our busy workdays, to step away and take some time out,” said Preston. “But it’s so important for our physical and mental health. In relation to our work, prioritising our wellbeing can actually lead to improved performance, creativity, productivity, better focus and ability to make decisions.”
Throughout the session, Preston and Gillam will explore the impact that not taking breaks can have on our mental and physical health; how rest is linked to our levels of focus, creativity, productivity and decision making abilities; the importance of listening to your body and mind’s needs, knowing your energy levels and building self-awareness around when you need to take a break; learning to set boundaries with yourself and others; and finally suggesting some strategies on building more rest into your days.
The talk will be 30-minutes long, with a Q&A to close – it will also be recorded and available to replay for those that register.
The session will be held on Tuesday 31 May at 1pm BST. Registration is free, or a voluntary donation can be made, more information can be found here.
HLB Lighting Design announces two promotions
(USA) – HLB Lighting Design has announced that Tina Aghassian and Ken Douglas have been promoted to Senior Principal. In their new roles, Aghassian and Douglas will continue to manage the Los Angeles and New York studios respectively, and lead firmwide initiatives in support of business development, geographic expansion and innovative design practice.
Aghassian has worked at HLB for 25 years and has been a significant contributor to the growth of the firm’s LA studio, and today is the LA Managing Principal. She has led the design of numerous award-winning projects, spanning a variety of market sectors, including the LAX Central Terminal Area Curbside Enhancements, Museum of Tolerance Los Angeles, and the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. In addition, she serves as the co-chair of the AIA LA Interiors Committee and various other non-profit causes.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to lead by empowering and mentoring the future generation of designers. Listening, learning, staying curious, embracing future technologies and working towards making memorable lighting experiences with design excellence is what I strive for,” said Aghassian.
Douglas joined HLB in 2018 through a merger with Illumination Arts, a firm that he co-founded and managed for 14 years. Douglas focuses on a wide array of market sectors, including large complex projects, the firm’s international geographic expansion, as well as serving as a member of HLB’s Board of Directors.
He added: “I’m thrilled to take my role to the next level and be part of this amazing group of industry leaders. I’m looking forward to contributing to the continued growth of HLB today and in years to come.”
Catellani & Smith presents new 2022-2023 catalogue
(Italy) - A return to colour sets the narrative tone for the new Catellani & Smith collection, a splendid addition to the new 2022-2023 Catalogue.
Blue, yellow, and red join fluo shades of magenta, yellow, blue and orange, colouring semispheres, rods, bases and unexpected details that bring a lively touch to settings.
The new models include the perfect, hypnotic Sfera W, with a mirror finish that reflects the observer; the sculptural Cono W wall lamp, and the Talismano with its enchanting, shimmering light effects, designed by Giulia Archimede and produced in collaboration with the Catellani & Smith Product development team.
Architect@Work celebrates physical return of its London edition
(UK) – Architect@Work, the curated, two-day trade fair aimed at the British architecture and design (A&D) community, returned to the Truman Brewery, London in a physical format from 13-14 April.
The 9th edition of the event saw more than 70 leading international architectural suppliers showcase their latest innovations in lighting technology, surface solutions, interior and exterior fixtures and fittings.
One of the most popular elements of the annual show was its talks programme; taking place both in person and via a live stream, this year’s series was centred upon the headline theme of ‘Air and Architecture’, which explored how we breathe and what that means for our wellbeing, as well as the lungs of cities themselves. Joining the discussion were some of the best names in the A&D industry, including: Guy Hollaway, Hollaway Studio; Joe Morris, Morris+Company; Eleanor Brough, Sarah Wigglesworth Architects; Rachel Edwards, Lendlease; Je Ahn, Studio Weave; and Julia Barfield, Marks Barfield.
Anne-Laure Van de Ginste, Exhibition Manager of Architect@Work, said: “We’re delighted to be back in London in a physical form this year. If there’s one thing that lockdowns have taught us, it is the face-to-face contact that is of the essence – especially when it comes to discovering product innovations. For us, quality clearly outweighs quantity at live events.
“In line with our long-standing commitment to championing design and innovation, our show has, once again, proved to be one of the leading destinations for the A&D community to discover new ideas and connect with their industry peers.
“We look forward to returning in London 2023 with another exciting programme of content and discussions.”
CSI announces Cruise Conversations Live speakers and sessions
(USA) - Over 25 cruise lines, designers, outfitters and sustainable accreditation experts will be sharing their expertise at this year’s Cruise Conversations Live, taking place at Cruise Ship Interiors Expo America 7 – 8 June.
Cruise Conversations Live’s official conference partner is Passenger Ship Interior & Refurbishment Review and the official sponsor is NEWH. The conference will give life to the conversations everyone is talking about in the cruise interiors industry, including the keynote Addressing Project Delivery Challenges – exploring the global supply chain challenges – and the leading session of day two’s sustainability focus Designing to Last. Other conference sessions include the opening keynote, Leaders Debate, and What Makes Great Design Great.
This year, Cruise Conversations Live America will be taking place in the conference theatre and across the show floor, with intimate workshops embedded in exhibitor booths.
Any manufacturer looking to seriously address sustainability in their production process can upskill at Materials Circularity in Cruise Interiors at the Dansk Wilton Booth. Other workshops include Efficient Drydocks; Making the Economics Work and Is It Intrinsically Green? Utilising Certifications to Demonstrate Green Credentials.
Participating cruise lines include Holland America Group, Royal Caribbean Group, Hurtigruten, Virgin Voyages and Norwegian Cruise Line. Design studios speaking include SMC Design, Studio DADO, YSA Design, Tillberg Design of Sweden, Petra Viktoria Design and Steen Friis Design. Attend for your only opportunity to hear from, and speak to, George Scammell (Holland America Group), Sascha Lang (Royal Caribbean Cruises), Thomas Westergaard (Hurtigruten), Trond Sigurdsen (YSA Design), Helena Sawelin (Tillberg Design of Sweden) and Petra Ryberg (Petra Viktoria Design).
Cruise Ship Interiors Expo America, based in the Miami Beach Convention Centre, will host 300 cruise ship interiors brands, including AROS Marine, Grottini, Bolidt and Marine Interiors (a Fincantieri company). Over 50 new products will launch across the two days of the show, many of which can be found on this year’s brand-new Product Launches Route. The second day of the cruise trade show will be all about sustainability, and buyers looking to meet their sustainability objectives can meet accredited sustainable suppliers on the Sustainability Route.
www.cruiseshipinteriors-expo.com
Design Helsinki to go ahead this August
(Finland) - Launching 24-25 August, Design Helsinki is Finland’s first international B2B fair dedicated to contemporary design. With support from the Alvar Aalto Foundation, Habitare and Design Museum Helsinki, the event is set to become an annual fixture on the international design calendar.
The two-day fair will bring the city centre to life under the summer sun with festivities to match. Immersive installations will line the streets, a curated international pavilion will showcase sought-after brands and the latest products, local design showrooms will open their doors for a series of events and to present their latest collections. Food and drink partners will offer a variety of discounts whilst topical talks will highlight the industry's most pressing issues.
Ingo Maurer enters the Foscarini hub of creativity
(Monaco) - Foscarini strengthens its distinctive role in the decorative lighting design sector on a global level through the acquisition of Ingo Maurer with the objective of valorising the uniqueness of the German brand’s aesthetic language and guaranteeing its future development consistent with its prestigious historic identity.
The deal involves the acquisition of 90% of Ingo Maurer shares by Foscarini, with the remaining 10% to stay with Sarah Utermöhlen, daughter of the historic German designer.
Founded in 1966 by the designer Ingo Maurer, Ingo Maurer the company is a brand that skilfully creates and produces lamps, spectacularly unique designs, and lighting systems. Ingo Mauer is known for pieces that combine the ordinary with the extraordinary, provoking and entertaining at the same time through a fascinating tension between technique and expressiveness. All its products are designed and made using original craft processes at the headquarters in Munich by the Ingo Maurer team, and then distributed throughout the world.
With its solid global position, Foscarini intends to support its growth and development by further strengthening its ability to express a multifaceted and distinctive vision in the world of decorative lighting design.
"Foscarini stands on the market as a global hub of creativity in the decorative lighting design sector, the sum of various creative freedoms that are reflected in extremely expressive proposals with a strong personality", says Carlo Urbinati, President and Founder of Foscarini. "With this step, we have decided to invest in the uniqueness of the Ingo Maurer name, a brand that for us has always been a source of great inspiration and that we have always admired for its free vision and creative approach. We have had the opportunity to guarantee ourselves the honour and burden of playing a part in ensuring that the story of Ingo Maurer continues to be talked about around the world and support its further development on global markets - thanks to our solid and widespread commercial network, which includes more than 2,500 retailers all over the world - with the specific intention of preserving its traditions, values, and distinctive expressiveness”.
"After carefully evaluating all the options, my sister Claude Mauer and I have decided that inclusion within the Foscarini creativity hub is the best strategy to enable Ingo Maurer to continue to strengthen its path of growth on a national and international level at the same time as conserving its founding traditions and values", adds Sarah Utermöhlen, who will keep a quota equal to 10% of the company."Freedom, passion, charisma, and poetry are the values of the Foscarini brand, which could not be a better fit for Ingo Maurer. We are convinced Foscarini is the right company to give further impetus and development to the artistic world of Ingo. Thanks to Carlo Urbinati and his team, this step will be distinctive for its fusion of artistic ideas where Ingo's unique light design will find further inspiration and be able to bring its point of view to a growing number of markets".
In this operation, Foscarini was supported both in Italy and in Germany by the professional firm Andersen, as a legal and financial advisor.
ICFF / WantedDesign Manhattan conclude on high
(USA) - ICFF and WantedDesign Manhattan, held May 16-17, 2022, at New York's Javits Center, finished with a rave response from exhibitors, editors, manufacturers, academics, buyers, architects and designers, and members of the design industry.
In combination, the two fairs hosted 378 established and emerging design brands, 107 of which were first-time participants, from 23 countries, presenting furniture, seating, materials, lighting, flooring and rugs, kitchen and bath, wallcoverings, accessories, and assorted objects for commercial, residential, and hospitality environments. ICFF and WantedDesign Manhattan coincided with the specially devised city-wide offering NYCxDESIGN, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, offering programming and activations open to the public in all five boroughs.
“Hosting exhibitors and attendees from all parts of the globe in our traditional spring dates reaffirmed that ICFF and WantedDesign Manhattan are seminal offerings on the international design industry calendar,” comments Phil Robinson, ICFF Show Director. “The breadth of new product launches generated an energy and buzz on the trade fair floor that verified the collective resilience of the industry post-pandemic.”
WantedDesign co-founders Odile Hainaut and Claire Pijoulat, adds: “WantedDesign Manhattan provides a critical platform for celebrating high-end and emerging designers and exhibiting their work in New York City. By presenting in tandem with ICFF once again, we are extending designers the opportunity to be seen and experienced by thousands of influential members of the industry and provide exposure and visibility. We are convinced that no other forum in North America spotlights designers in this way, providing the essential tools to explore and navigate the industry and, ideally, forge a path to the future. Despite recent challenges, we remain optimistic and look ahead to 2023 with anticipation.”
Together, the two design fairs gathered some 7,000 architects, interior designers, and contemporary retailers in the Javits Center. The total number of visitors at both shows topped 10,000, a strong indication of the industry’s desire to engage and re-experience design once again.
Major market content themes included sustainability, original design, and providing out-of-box thinking to pressing global issues including climate change, political unrest, urban planning, and other challenges related to the pandemic and beyond.
The robust conference lineup included Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) senior curator, Paola Antonelli, discussing her new book, Design Emergency; the debut of the series, Power Couples, where prominent pairs, Eric Höweler and Meejin Yoon of Höweler+Yoon, George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg of YabuPushelberg, and Friends & Founders’ Rasmus Hildebrand and Ida Linea Hildebrand, offered insight on being partners in business and life; the Inside Norway: Meet the Makers pavilion and panel conversation presented works from iconic and upstart brands Dyfosit, Eikund, Fram Oslo, Hadeland Glassverk, Heymat, Figgjo, Lundhs, and Volver with acclaim; and Amy Devers from the podcast Clever hosted the Emerging Designers Showcase.
ICFF + WantedDesign Manhattan Talks, sponsored by Mercato Place and American Standard, were presented on the main stage, at Oasis, by Float Studio, and at Wescover. The main stage was designed by Rodolfo Agrella with the support of Turf Design, Midgard Licht, and Be Original Americas, and Oasis was sponsored by Gabriel North America, Mohawk Group, and Normann Copenhagen.
In honouring traditions of the past, ICFF hosted the ICFF Editors Awards where representatives from leading design publications chose winners in 12 categories for outstanding design as well as a Best in Show from the 378 exhibitors. Winners of the 2022 ICFF Editors Awards are:
Accessories: Ethnicraft, Best Booth: ECO Solidarity, Body of Work: Mana Sazegara, Carpet & Flooring: Warp & Weft, Furniture: Simon Johns, Kitchen & Bath: Uniq-E, Lighting: Anony, Materials/Textiles: Alfonso Verduzco Design, New Designer: Piscina, Outdoor Furniture: Dedon, Seating: Tomoki Design, Wallcovering: Astek Wallcovering , and Best in Show: Piscina
We gratefully acknowledge the judges: Lila Allen, AD PRO; Sophie Aliece Hollis, The Architect’s Newspaper; Eric Mutrie, Azure; Sarah Cullen, darc; Ben Dreith, Dezeen; Rachel Gallaher, Gray Magazine; Rebecca Thienes, Interior Design; Kathryn Given, Luxe Interiors+Design; Will Speros, Hospitality Design, Anna Casotti, IFDM; Leslie Clagett, Kitchen + Bath Business; and Ryan Waddoups, Surface. In addition, Bernhardt Design continued its 16-year commitment to bringing the next generation of emerging talent to the forefront through the juried ICFF Studio competition that featured 14 designers.
New practices were also established with the integration of the 42nd annual Interiors Awards Breakfast on May 17. Attended by an audience of 200, awards were given out in 11 categories recognising excellence in commercial interiors judged by Lauren Rottet, Rottet Studio; Primo Orpilla, Studio O+A; and Nina Etnier, Float Studio. Kia Weatherspoon, president of Determined by Design, took home the coveted Designer of the Year award. Sponsors for the Interiors Awards included: Luxury Division of Pella, Delta Light, Lillian Gorbachincky Atelier, Cosmopolitan Glass & Metal, and Hastens Beds Inc. And the festive Opening Night ICFF + WantedDesign Manhattan party, held on May 15 outdoors on the Javits Rooftop Pavilion and Outdoor Terrace, was attended by more than 700 guests.
Launch Pad, the awards programme specific to WantedDesign Manhattan’s emerging designers, honoured Erika Cross for Best of Launch Pad for Furniture and Tianning Zhao for Best of Launch Pad for Lighting. Launch Pad was sponsored by American Standard and presented with media partner Design Milk.
Look Book, serving WantedDesign Manhattan’s established upscale designers, makers, and studios from North America, served as an in-person portfolio for the A&D community. A selection of Look Book designers participated in Look Book Live, a new talks programme hosted by William Hanley, editor in chief of Dwell Magazine.
New this year, WantedDesign Manhattan launched the Schools Showcase, a new area presenting young students from design schools worldwide and supporting the next generation of designers. As presenting sponsors of the Best of Students and Best of Schools prizes, Design Milk and Alessi chose the Dust Chair by Bill Caroll from Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) as the Best of Students winner and Re-Actors by the School of Visual Arts (SVA), MFA Products of Design as the Best of Schools winner.
Wanted Interiors, sponsored by Ultrafabrics, returned this year with participants including Turf Design, Mohawk Group, 3M, Ressource+Rezina, Precious Woods, Midgard Licht, UTOPIA presented by Winton Cuevas, Ultrafabrics, and Visual Magnetics, and created immersive installations to demonstrate how innovative solutions can create healthy spaces. New this year, ECO Solidarity, a multidisciplinary hybrid project, initiative, and movement initiated by the Polish Cultural Institute New York in collaboration with WantedDesign, which seeks unity and solidarity through design and architecture, focused on Ecology, climate emergency, and circular economy. ECO Solidarity featured the work of nine design studios from nine European countries and was the winner of Best Booth in the ICFF Editors Awards.
The Lounge at Wanted Interiors returned with an indoor-outdoor concept designed by Rodolfo Agrella. Sponsors of the 800sqft lounge included Ligne Roset, Bend Goods, Havwoods, 3M, and wakaNINE.
Dates for ICFF + WantedDesign 2023 are set for May 21-23, 2023.
Barrisol - Manta
Manta lamp, by Ross Lovegrove for Barrisol, illustrates the perfect balance between organic form and high technology.
Barrisol membranes with distinct stretching intensities provide layered sound damping whilst maintaining uniform lighting. Choose a desired colour temperature: warm, neutral, or cool white, as well as the intensity of diffused light with the integrated dimmable control. 100% recyclable.
