Posts from — April 2010
My Favorite Apps for Designers and Architects
I have finally spent some time learning the awesomeness of my iphone. I have to say, it can be addicting, plus it’s a designer’s dream. Here are my new favs when it comes to the apps that are designed for designers and architects.
1.Units by TheMacBox allow users to convert area, length and width among other units. According to Examiner.com, designers and architects can simply plug in numbers to quickly convert a drawing that is in meters to feet, for example. By eliminating the need for formulas, Units by TheMacBox will save time and ensure accuracy.FREE
2.Architect’s Formulator by Multieducator Inc. contains over 200 formulas in the areas of Electrical, Carpentry and Plumbing, as well as Concrete and Excavations. Unlike other applications, this one costs about $10.00, but some would agree that the app is worth the price since it practically eliminates the need for having to reference bulky manuals.
3. iHandy Level iPhone App – very handy for leveling pictures on the wall, checking that a table is level, etc. FREE
4.Mark on Call by M.O.C. Interior Design, LLC helps with space planning, includes a pre-loaded material palette and allows users to save a library of finishes to “skin” onto surfaces in a virtual room. Version 2.0 is now available. $ 2.99 That lets you:
Take pictures of actual finishes, fabrics, rugs, and flooring from your favorite manufacturers and “skin” them onto ANY item or surface in your room using your iPhone camera or images from your photo library and publish and share them with other users.
Access Presets Palette offering pre-loaded color, pattern, wood, and stone options; apply our user-friendly color wheel; or import custom colors and patterns
Utilize new Rooms Gallery to backup & publish your room designs, move rooms to another floor plan, create room templates, & collaborate with other designers, clients, friends, family, or other app users.
Talk about design mobility-you can actually consult and share room plans with your clients!
5. My MOST favorite is reQall. reQall is a voice-enabled memory aid that seamlessly integrates your mobile phone, email, text messaging and IM into a powerful organizer, reminder system and productivity assistant. God knows I can use a little more memory! reQall lets you capture your ideas, tasks and commitments before you forget, and it proactively keeps you well-prepared. A colleague turned me on to it and I tested it on a trip home from Indy last week. When I get behind the wheel my head clears and my to- dos come into focus. I LOVED this- I speak into the phone; it turns my recording into text; creates a list organized by categories like need to buy, Notes, To Dos, Call, etc. that I can access and then sends me a reminder! Busy designers will love this- no texting yourself a note. FREE
If you have an iPad… here’s a fabulous new app. I have been coveting this design series after seeing it for several years ago at a show. Phaidon hasn’t wasted any time in transforming its encyclopedic Design Classics collection into an app for Apple’s new tablet device. Originally published as a three-volume set (and tucked inside its own carrying case), Phaidon Design Classics features 999 of the most innovative, beautiful, and influential products created in the last 200 years, from early-1800s Chinese bonsai scissors to the sleek line of brunch equipment (kettle, coffee maker, and toaster) designed by Jasper Morrison for Rowenta. $19.99 ( orginal three book set- $175.00)
Last but not least, if personal design shopping is part of your design service package try Red Laser. Just used it pricing a TV for a client. Not only did it price it, but listed the cheapest prices within 5 miles and online. $.99
April 28, 2010 No Comments
Design Intell: Bright Blinds
More window covering innovation this week…
Bright Blind by Mongoose
Made of electroluminescent (EL) sheets, Makoto Hirahara’s Bright Blind simulates a window where none exists. In all other respects, the artificial blind functions in exactly the same way as a regular blind – i.e. turning the plastic stick controls the brightness, etc. Great for dark rooms and basements.
As of this writing, this piece is made by hand, so it’s available – but will take some time (and money) to create.
Anyone who follows design knows, there are tons of great products out there. Much as we’d like to, we can’t possibly buy or sell them all. In the spirit of Gen C, where design is democratic and everyone can be a designer, Bright Blinds comes to us via In The Pipeline. In the Pipeline allows you to be a virtual member of their buying team; tell them which designs you love and help them choose which products to sell. You comment on any of the designs and vote for your favorites. Submit your email and if the prototype gets manufactured they will notify you so you can be one of the first to call it your own.
Upon further investigation; it looks like it’s been around for awhile as it was submitted to the site a year ago. Let me know what you think. Manufacturers, here’s another shout out about innovative blinds. Anyone listening?
April 15, 2010 No Comments
DIY Sewing Cafe in Paris
It seems the DIY world exists even in the couture world of Paris. Sweat Shop is a ‘sewing café’ that provides up to 10 sewing stations with a large communal table anchored at the center for pattern cutting and textile preparations. Situated by the St Martin canal, Sweat Shop aims to create a fashion version of a wifi café; SINGER sponsored the sewing machines which are available by the hour for anyone interested to make their own pillow case or merely patch up a torn dress.
In a city like Paris renowned to house ateliers for some of the world’s most prolific fashion designers, more of the right kinds of ‘sweat shops’ such as these need to start mushrooming. The brainchild of Martena Duss, a make up artists for brands such as Celine, Yves Saint Laurent and Margiela shows, Sweat Shop adopts an antique look for the interior design of the retail space and an apt modern mantra; ‘Less buying – more trying’.
Design Confidential says: STEAL THIS IDEA
WOW! I love everything about this idea- from the name; to the concept; to the look of the cafe. Workrooms-this is a great way to use fabric odds and ends, keep your machines busy and create a new revenue stream. Think Starbucks for sewers or those DIYers who want to learn. This could be a whole new business for you ….
I have just added this to my list of must sees for our September Trip to Paris.
[via Man Make Home, PSFK]
April 11, 2010 1 Comment
iHeart Jakob Schlaepfer
One of the highlights for me at Paris Deco Off was Jacob Schlaepfer. For me, Jakob Schlaepfer epitomizes the best of both design worlds. They call their textiles “industrially hand crafted “and it is so true- innovative, ingenious design done by the hand of master artisans. Known as the purveyor of haute couture fabrics since 1904 to such fashion houses as Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs, Vivenne Westood and Christian Lacroix (That is a whole other story!), They entered into interiors in 2008 with couture worthy textiles that… well; you have to see it to believe it!
I was honored to be invited to experience their 2010 decor line at Galerie Alain Blondel in the Marias and they did not disappoint.
Artisitc Director Michele Rondelli and Creative Director, Martin Leuthold led us on a mouth watering tour of their third edition interior collection. Each new piece was better than the last. This collection was meant to be experienced by all the senses.
Vada Tulle and Vada Gardinio Blackout
In 2008 they introduced a world first in by Vada Pleats and Vada Giardino. Never before has printing been carried out on three layers of tulle simultaneously. The effect is as beautiful as it is striking, since the three layers give the fabric a 3D look. The collection is supplemented with the flame-retardant Buonanotte fabric for black out draperies, which can be printed with all the motifs in the collection.
Phanton in Motion
Phantom – the world’s lightest textile for windows needs to be thrown up in the air to see how it float swirls around you like smoke rings. Weighing only 10 grams per square meter, this polyester fiber enhanced with metal floats with every movement of the air. Introduced in 2009 and winning several prestigious textile design prizes; they built on its success with a printed version- Secret Garden.
Secret Garden
Detail Secret Garden
“The technical perfection of the material, which shows most spectacularly in movement, has here been made entirely subservient to the poetic effect achieved,” commented one member of the Textile Design Jury.
Pollock Wall Panels
- Playing with pollock
Pollock must be played with. This textile is like a incredibly beautiful etch-a sketch. Invention is in Jakob Schlaepfer’s blood: it has been more than thirty years since the St Gallen manufacturer developed the first industrial procedure for applying paillettes(sequins) to fabrics, revolutionizing the entire textile industry. Now a new process has made these same paillettes interactive: by stroking them you can turn them over, from one face to the other, from one colour combination to another,from bright to matt, from plain to printed, from glittering to iridescent – with more than 200 combinations the possibilities are simply endless. Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood and Marc Jacobs, were so enthralled they included the fabric in their new collections just off the runway.
Korsakow close-up
Korsakow is …how do you explain Korsakow-? It is embossed foam tipped with gold or silver leather and applied by hand to transparent black tulle).See what I mean you just have to see it to believe it!
Aluminum Sheer
A layer of aluminum is sandwiched between contrasting chiffons in this sculputural curtain.
April 7, 2010 No Comments
Kontuur Blinds
It is no secret I am a window fashion fanatic. So when I saw the Kontuur blind I was in love. The Kontuur Blind, created by Helena Karelson and winning the recent Design in Britain competition is to say the least- Genius. I recently had a chance to catch up with Helena and she offered some insight into her winning design.
Design Confidential: Tell me a little about yourself?
Helena Karelson:I was born in Estonia and now live and work in London. I recently graduated from Kingston University with a Product and Furniture Design degree
DC: What inspires you as a designer?
HK: I am fascinated with light and the relationship between form and shadow. In fact this series was born from that fascination. When the slats are in the horizontal position light filters through the irregular gaps, projecting a rich tapestry of sunbeams into the interior space. In the vertical position the light from behind the window frames the blinds perfectly in a subtle, warm glow.
DC: Have you played with this category before?
HK: I did another series titled Warm Glow. These are window blinds that bring warmth into our everyday life. When the light comes through the blinds, the yellow side of the blinds, reflects onto the white side, resulting a warm glow. The First edition of Kontuur blind premiered at this year’s D&AD New Blood exhibition, where it won the prestigious Best New Blood award. Kontuur window blinds also won the New Design Britain Award.
DC: I understand that the Kontuur blinds’ inspiration was your fascination with light and shadow, why did you choose blinds as the medium.
HK: I realized that there have not been many innovations in that medium for a long time and the classical blinds have become a boring window covering solution. I saw the potential to design something interesting and beautiful. I was right, Kontuur window blinds have had and continue to have a lot of interest in them. I have got so much good feedback from everybody, including designers, architects, manufacturers, stylists and buyers from all over the world.
DC: No Kidding!
DC: Have any blind manufacturer shown interest?
HK:It is a prototype. Many blind manufacturers in UK and Europe have shown interest.
DC: Where is the interest from U.S. manufacturers? – hey guys!
Each slat is carefully designed to leave no waste post-manufacture, which, combined with the use of environmentally sound materials ensures that it can be enjoyed without the worry of its environmental impact weighing on your mind.
Wouldn’t you like to see this in our blind offerings?
April 1, 2010 1 Comment
