News And Updates

Diane from Pure Contemporary emailed me asking if I would forward the news about the “Think Spring!” contest they’re currently running.

It’s a very cool idea with an even cooler prize – a signed piece of abstract art – so why wouldn’t I let you know? Here’s the copy she sent me:

Write about modern outdoor and WIN!

Are your walls looking a little bare these days? Tell us about a hot
modern outdoor product — and enter to win a signed piece of original
artwork.

Send your entries to Think Spring Contest by April 2, 2007. Include the
product name and where readers can find it. Don’t forget your name,
phone #, and email address. We’ll announce our winner on April 4th.

Not only am I passing on the word, I’m also entering. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. And hurry up – you’ve only got 2 days to get your entry in!

I was doing a little Googling for some ideas, and I come across a great Boston Globe article on local street art phenom Pixnit. Yes, it’s nearly three months old, but it’s still new to me.

Pixnit is a graffiti stenciler. For obvious reasons, she doesn’t reveal her true identity (I am digging the Zoro mask and fedora). She came to Boston to get her Master’s degree from Tufts and the School of the MFA, so she’s obviously smart and talented.

From her MySpace page, “These delicate images are influenced by floral and ornamental design historically used within the home to create a sense of comfort, bring representations of nature inside and portray a sense of beauty.”

Funny, I was thinking about how great it would be to get her to do one wall in my house. Bringing the outside-that-was-taken-from-the-inside in.

Last November, I posted on the proposed 1,000 foot tall tower in Winthrop Square. Well, those plans may have changed a bit: Architecture Magazine reports that Renzo Piano, the renowned architect that designed the planned building, has quit the project. “A senior executive at Renzo Piano Building Workshop in Genoa, Italy, yesterday said the split involved a dispute over creative control of the tower.” Boston-based architect CBT/Childs Bertman Tseckares Inc. will take the project over. What remains to be answered is what may change now that Piano is gone. As they say, time will tell.

…and one makes five.

That’s right, there are now five (Greater) Boston-based blogs. Kat left a comment on my post about Yellow Bell Pepper Design to tell me about her blog, Taylor Made Designs.

Kat is a graphic designer with 6 years experience on Newbury Street. She now has her own design studio “south of Boston” that allows her to work while enjoying her two little ones.

Kat says, “My blog is a mixture of design, crafts + my kids ” As a proper business person, she makes sure to highlight her own products (which she sells via her Etsy shop). Her kids… they are just terribly cute. It looks like her hands are full, but it’s a fun time.

Kat, thanks for letting us know about Taylor Made Designs!

Wrapables is a company with a lot more to offer than bedding, but that’s what I’m in the market for, so that’s what I’m showing.

I’m only showing three styles that caught my eye, but they have a lot more (four pages of duvet covers alone!) so be sure to check out their website.

The Urban Circles Bedding Collection is part of the Urbanite series from bedding designer in-fusion. I love the coffee/aqua/white that is in the picture (It’s also available in white/aqua). Featuring “320 thread count, 100% cotton sateen”, it’s sure to be as comfortable as it is good looking.

The Oxygen Bedding Collection, from Inhabit Living, in this blue and silver hue, is absolutely stunning. It is made of 250 thread count, 100% cotton sateen.

Lastly, the Soak Bedding Collection, also from Inhabit Living, has probably the most visually interesting design. The waves of blues and brown are arranged in a way to make your eyes see vertical rows. Like the Oxygen Bedding Collection, it is made of 250 thread count, 100% cotton sateen.

If you’re looking for bedding (or home decor, fashion accessories, dining accessories, even pet gifts), Wrapables is worth a look.

Wow, the Boston design blog scene is just blowing up! Okay, we’re up to four, but that’s four-times more than last August, when Holly at decor8 was the only game in town.

Our newest entry into the blogosphere is Jen, a freelance writer living in Boston (although “home” is somewhere three or so hours southwest of here, ahem). She runs Yellow Bell Pepper Design. Why a yellow bell pepper? “What I love about the yellow bell pepper is its crisp flavor, but I think that even to look at it–all dramatic shape and grand yellow–is a delight. In this blog I seek out design as fresh, bold and soulful as a yellow bell pepper.” I don’t think I’ll ever looked at a pepper the same way again.

YBPD has only been up since March 1, and already she has over 40 posts. This girl can WRITE! Her posts are sparsely worded, getting the idea out very quickly and concisely (quite the opposite of my long-windedness). And photos, boy does she have ‘em – every post has multiples, showing the beauty of whatever is being featured.

Jen, thank you for creating YBPD and joining the growing ranks of Boston-based design bloggers. We should all get together sometime.

April looks to be a great month to buy furniture. BoConcept is offering 30-70% off at their Semiannual Warehouse Sale, happening Saturday, April 14 at their Bayonne, NJ warehouse. Sure, you’ve got to drive a bit to get the deal, but sometimes a great deal on a beautiful piece of furniture is worth it.

BoConcept Warehouse
180 Pulaski Street
Bayonne, NJ 07002

Another good question came into DB Central, and I would like to throw it out to the crowd. It’s a long one, but if you’re familiar with architects in the city, you may be able to help Pete out.

Gradon…

I stumbled upon your blog page while surfing Boston design and architecture on the web. We seem to have quite a bit in common as far as taste and interests. I found your writings very entertaining.

I was wondering if you could help me, since thus far I have been unsuccessful. Maybe you could share any information you know of with me, or possibly write and article after some investigation.

I purchased a loft here and looking to do a build-out in it. I would like to have someone look at and advise me on my ideas, possibly suggest changes and ideas of their own. I think I have a good eye and know I have a definite concept in mind, but I also know there is quite a difference between amateur design and professionally schooled architects. I would guess from there, the architect would use an engineer to make those concepts into plans that then, a builder would use to make these ideas into reality.

And here, then, is my dilemma. The architects that seem to cater to my style and have websites to see their work all seem to be high-end level firms. Only one has returned a call or inquiry and although that one was informative, they did not really seem to want to take on a small job, and moreso, someone who wasn’t offering them “carte-blanche”, which I cannot, unfortunately.

I’m pretty handy with basic building skills, I’ve renovated two properties before, so I’m looking for design guidance and plans for the large structural elements and contractors to execute them, and then I could do the finish work in my spare time. Meaning, the architect would meld or revise my plans with theirs, advise on the details and materials, have plans made for the builder of the loft platforms and stairs (and fire sprinkler modifications created by them), run rough electrical and I could do the rest. I would also like to have a time line to do this work in the 2 months before I move in…

So, here is the question… How do I, or is it possible, to find a “new-grad” or struggling architect who works in the style I am seeking, that will work with me in a more non-traditional manner and has connections for contractors. Is there a resource guide for new architects working to establish a reputation and referrals that take on work like I desire? How would I know if they specialize in the style and work I seek? Any ideas? Maybe you have someone in mind?

Also, a friend suggested maybe finding a builder that deals in loft work and possibly they have an architect that they work with in conjunction. What do you think of this idea?

I appreciate any advice you can offer. If you need any additional information, feel free to contact me.

Thank you in advance for your response.

Pete

Pete, thanks for writing. I would recommend giving Daniel Sugarman a call. Having seen the pictures of his own loft, I would say he’s a great pick. Here is his contact info:

Daniel Sugarman Design
617-267-2588
danielsugarman@aol.com

Does anyone else have any suggestions?

Calling all young (and young-at-heart) creative types: Good 50×70 is your chance to help make a difference.

“Good 50×70 is a contest open to student and creatives (graphic designers, art directors, copywriters, photographers, etc.). “

Basically, design and submit a poster relating to one of five big social issues: AIDS, environmental damage, human rights violation, underdevelopment and war. A jury of ten industry experts will select a finalist group of 30, which will then be cut down to ten “Good 50×70″. One poster from each issue will be selected as “Grand Winner”.

“All the finalists posters will be gathered in an exhibition. The same artwork will be also collated in a catalogue. The aim of the contest is to raise public awareness particularly amongst people inside the communication industry, and the relevance and importance of social communication.”

Since this is a contest for charity, there is no cash prize, but there is the chance to get worldwide exposure, which could be worth a lot more than you could win in such a contest.

Lillibule Ceramics is the creation of Sylvie Fuller, a UK based designer. She uses small-run, hand screen-printed white bone china produced in the UK.

Sylvie wrote to me, saying “my style is feminine and fun, original and yet very commercial” The hummingbird series (pictured) has had an amazing response, and I can see why. Yes, they are “feminine”, but why wouldn’t a guy want something this playful sitting on his table?

Now in its second year of business, Lillibule Ceramics has earned praise from a variety of design organizations, “with opportunities including selection for New Designers Selection show during London design week, inclusion in COLLECTion, exhibiting at East London Design Show and a collaboration with ebay express.”

As well as ceramics, Sylvie also produces textiles and home decor.