by Ryan | Jul 14, 2015 | Design News
This past June 15, r.o.i. Design made our annual voyage to Chicago to attend NeoCon at the Merchandise Mart. As always, we saw a lot of the new products presented by commercial interiors manufacturers. We visited the showrooms of the major office furniture corporations, such as Haworth, Steelcase, Herman Miller and more. We saw what was new in flooring, wallcoverings, textiles and other materials. We got to meet with our sales representatives to learn more about these new products. And, of course, we sought out who was giving away the best freebies, whether it be tote bags, water bottles, or tasty treats!
Some retro color combinations at the Haworth showroom. Click for larger image.
This year, attendance seemed to be way up, which is a good indication for the industry, but also made for large crowds and long lines. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits, though, and there seemed to be an excitement in the air about this year’s new trends.
Bright accent colors are still popular, although they tended to be slightly more muted than in the last couple years. Many of the showrooms kept to a basic, stark white theme with pops of color. Some retro color combinations (think 60’s, Mad Men) also made their appearance.
Small Collaboration Areas – Openest by Haworth. Click for larger image.
A fairly new term in the workplace environment is “nomad”, referring to the preference of many to work from various locations in and out of the office throughout the work day. Newer technology and wireless connectivity have made it possible to not be stationed at a desk all day and still be productive. Furniture manufacturers are responding with new solutions to accommodate this new style of working. Shared workstations that can be reserved, small privacy pods, collaborative groupings, or a quiet place to get away are just some of the new trends in office spaces.
Small private workstations. Click for larger image.
The material felt is very popular this year. Whether it was natural wool felt or industrial felt made from recycled plastic bottles, the material was shown in upholstery, dividers, sound panels, desk accessories, rugs and even lighting!
Felt light fixtures at Buzzi Space. Click for larger image.
These are just a few of the trends, styles and new products we saw at this year’s NeoCon. While there was a lot more we saw, it’s hard to fit it all in one blog post (or remember it all). Of course, we always want to stay ahead of the curve on design and keeping you informed on what we learn.
Some More Images
by Ryan | Jun 1, 2015 | Design News
Continuing our conversation about flooring (see our blog article on luxury vinyl tile), we introduce you to two different companies. One is totally design driven and one is responding to a unique challenge.
Mirth Studio, Charleston, South Carolina, has entered the flooring industry with colorful, patterned hardwood floor tiles. They are promoted as easy to install, fully customizable, made in the US and environmentally responsible. The cool thing is their use of new technology to print and seal the surface of an engineered wood tile or plank. Visit their website here.
Kinetex, J&J Flooring Group, has developed an advanced textile composite flooring that combines key attributes of soft-surface floor covering with the long-wearing performance characteristics of hard surface flooring. Promoting a reduced environmental footprint compared to other hard-surface options is because it is easier to maintain, Kinetix offers an acoustical advantage, a health advantage and a comfort advantage that hard tiles cannot. It also offers a unique time savings as it can be laid on curing concrete floor before all the moisture of the concrete is released. For the complete story on Kinetex, visit jj-kinetex.com.
by Ryan | Jun 1, 2015 | Design News
r.o.i. Design recently visited ICFF New York 2015. While it has only been three years since we last visited Design Week in New York, it was long enough for the Citibikes and the Uber cars to appear on the streets of the Big Apple. The innovation in transportation wasn’t the only thing that impressed us. Our visit to Wanted Design and ICFF (The International Contemporary Furniture Fair) gave us an eyeful and here are images and notes on products we think are important to share.
LED Tube Lights. Click to view larger.
Lighting:
- Led Tubes found their way into suspended 2×4’s, cleverly attached to each other to create patterns and shapes.
- Not only tube, but also LED and compact fluorescent lights in cages, sculptures and assemblies
- And the return of brass as a finish is undeniable.
Keico Wall Panels. Click to view larger.
Wall Surfaces:
- Custom graphics aren’t new but now the sophistication of the technology in printing wall graphics has born a generation of graphic designers who are reinventing “wall paper”
- Felt, Cork and Paper (Cellulose) are being offered in tiles and panels in a variety of shapes and textures, offering us ways of creating wall interest, art or acoustical treatments. (artwork)
Razor Tooth Design. Click to view larger.
Furniture:
- The show displayed a wide range of materials in furniture, reclaimed materials, reclaimed furniture, concrete, polymers, and paper. Technology and imagination has also created new possibilities in surface detail.
- ICFF originally was a venue focused on new furniture designs and lines even from the grass roots studios around the world. Today the show has evolved to be a place of introductions but cannot claim to be the premier place for furniture style invention.
Functional Designs:
- There were several companies introducing a functional product to the American market that might be called an “appliance”.
- Sense+: the intelligent air purifier from Sweden always seemed to have a full booth of visitors. Their story was compelling to all of us personally as we wanted “better air” appliance by a group who valued good design.
- NISSHA: a Japanese company who is connecting products-information technology in furniture, lighting, appliances, equipment. They demonstrated a wall tile that had been imbedded with LED’s and touch pads that allowed you to change the temperature of the water in the shower by touch. (Just one example)
- Cycloc: A British company that is launching a product called “Hero” caught our eye. They make a range of elegant products for today’s cyclists.
PePe Heykoop Tiny Miracles. Click to view larger
Of special interest were groups who combined design with a social & cultural goals. The products were creative and their inventors endearing.
- Pepe Heykoop for Tiny Miracles Creations: Dutch designer Pepe Heykoop operates a workshop in the red light district in Mumbai, India – the Pardeshi community. There they produce his designs which he told us are sold in over 300 stores in Europe. His exhibit at ICFF was his first time pursuing an American distribution. Pepe’s goal is to pull the 700 people of the community out of poverty within 10 years, 2020.
- PIVOT is a social enterprise a mission driven business in Dobbs Ferry NY where they train people who need a second chance in furniture making. All of their designs are sustainable, only using recycled materials and entirely made in their workshop.
MIO Wall Panels & Light Fixtures. Click to view larger.
Manufacturers that we purchase and place in our designs showed us some new things:
- MIO: Most recently we created office dividers from their NOMAD product. Now they give us acoustical wall panels and cardboard light shades.
- Lights Up: Affordable and simple light fixture manufacturer out of Brooklyn New York has provided for our clients a variety of solutions and they continue to ride the wave of current designs.
- Astek and Wolf Gordon: Did not disappoint us with patterns and designs that will continue to draw us to their collections.
- Global Lighting: Introduced its newest line, a Finish product “Secto Design” which demonstrated a gentle precision and grace using form-pressed Finish birch.
- B&N Store Fixture Design, typically seen at Global Shop, the retail show, was there to show their ability to customize any product, any surface, any light.
More images from the show:
by Ryan | Jun 1, 2015 | Design News
r.o.i. Design would like to share the highlights from Bostwick Design Partnership’s presentation “Building Collaboration” as seen at the COAA Workshop in April 2015.
This presentation resonated with r.o.i. Design’s own philosophies in the work of their sister company “Accelerate ROI”.
For both Bostwick Design and Accelerate ROI, creating one team in the process of developing and building a project is far more cost effective than managing a variety of teams especially if they don’t share similar goals.
Creating “one team” means starting with a cross populated committee of owner, contractor, and design team stake holders. Immediately this raises concerns that time and money is being spent by inserting a new step into a process that can already challenge the “time, dime and shine”.
But it has been proven that by creating a common goal, increasing the amount of communication, and cooperation, the owner will realize a savings either in reduced schedule, reduced changed orders or both.
The fundamental principle in in creating true collaboration is the building of a culture that trusts each other, appreciates inquiry, and creates purpose. When a group of people care about each other and their project, it is contagious.
In addition to setting up a new step in planning, this process also excels when that leadership team measures progress continually, fosters open discussions and acknowledges performance.
The collaborative construction project has these attributes:
- Cross discipline leadership teams
- A shared goal that takes on its own life within the project – as seen in signage, project solutions, recognition and celebrations
- Limited to no turn over in key staff
- Overall project team satisfaction
- Unprecedented quality craftsmanship and owner pride
- Reduced changes orders and over-runs
- Budget and schedule maintenance
The successful construction companies of today are incorporating collaborative practices with great returns for their businesses and their customers.
by Ryan | Jun 1, 2015 | Design News
The MSHDA has approved our application and r.o.i Design now has a “WBE Status” and recognized as a woman-owned business. We renewed our certification on August 14th, 2018 and our status is active through May 4th, 2021 when we will renew.
What this means is we can assist contractors to fulfill their State of Michigan requirements to include a portion of their suppliers from a pool of women-owned businesses. This is mandatory on projects that are funded in part by the State of Michigan.
r.o.i. Design has been purchasing and reselling products for over 20 years with a depth of experience in procurement.
Here are some of our products:
Furniture (hospitality and contract grade seating, tables, case goods and upholstery)
Wall Décor (mirrors, framed art, signage)
Flooring (carpet, hard surface tile and vinyl tile)
Accessories (rugs, table top décor, silk plants)
Lighting (lamps, decorative pendants and wall sconces)
Window Coverings (shades, blinds and drapery)
Wall Coverings (vinyl wallpaper, wall panels, specialty products)
Follow the link to our page which describes our products and our procurement services.
by Ryan | Jun 1, 2015 | Design News, Project Management
r.o.i. Design was invited to a COAA Spring Owner Connect Workshop by their customer Carol Cool, now a project manager at Michigan State University but who we met when she managed the GVSU Marketplace project where we designed the GVSU Laker Store.
We were very impressed with the quality of the content, the professionalism of the presenters and attendees and look forward to being more involved.
While all the information presented had value, r.o.i. Design would like to share the highlights from the Ken Simonson’s presentation, “Michigan’s Economic Outlook”, Ken is the Chief Economist for ACG (Associated General Contractors) of America.
Here are the headlines:
Employment
Growth moderately up, more so in metropolitan areas; currently nationally we are at 2008 employment rates. The state of Michigan is up 8.5% from 2014 and our growth is 10th best out of the 51 states. Michigan construction employment is 30% of its peak in 2002. (more)
Concern for qualified construction workers: 83% of construction companies are having trouble finding craft workers, 61% of construction companies are having trouble finding project managers and supervisors.
The hope for construction employment is the local focus on vocational programs and the renewed commitment to training. The increased use of labor saving technology will relieve some of the pain.
Material Costs
- Steel same as 2011 price and declining
- Gypsum up 50% since 2011, 2014 shows some leveling
- Copper/brass down 25% since 2011
- Lumber/plywood up 25% up since 2011, 2014 shows some leveling.
- Concrete and plastics up 10-18% since2011-cement pricing up 9% in 1 year due to tight capacity. More plastic suppliers coming on line so there may be a cost reduction..
- 2015-2017 construction spending estimated to be up 6-10%
Growth areas expected in 2015
- 33% of growth will be based on retail remodeling, warehouse/industrial projects, and lodging.
- 25% of growth in office and office remodeling
- 20% of growth will be manufacturing based.
National trends holding back construction:
There is less government spending which make public school projects “flat”.
Consumers continue to switch to “on line” retailing. There are increasing amount of services that allow consumers to stay home.
- But this does reflect in the amount of warehouse and distribution centers being built to satisfy the real time delivery of on line purchased goods.
- But this has created an active market of re-purposing retail building inventory: converting them to mixed use, office or residential projects.
Employers are shrinking their office spaces. The realization of remote technology has reduced the need to store paper. The realization that not all employees need a full time space in the office has increased the amount of “hoteling” of personnel.
- But is stimulating office remodeling and this will continue through the unforeseen future at least through 2016.
Seniors appear to be aging in place, slowing down the new construction of senior care facilities.
National trends encouraging construction:
Shale-Gale, term that encompassing the mining of natural resources, is driving new construction. Companies are building complexes around exploration and drilling. Michigan’s own “Rover” program is stimulating the development of natural gas fields which will feed industries in Michigan and Canada.
Panama Canal, the remodeling of the canal is shifting container traffic to US coastal ports. The landside connection of this increase of business is stimulating construction in a variety of types of projects.
Multi-family construction has grown 30-60% annually since 2011 and is projected to continue through 2015. Growth in Michigan this year is projected at 1%
- Less college grads find employment, less cash to invest in home buying
- People are waiting longer to get married and have children, paying off college debt.
- Location preferences are moving towards cities, especially to cities with private charter schools for families and lifestyle options for seniors.
- Detroit is seeing an increase in urban living for the first time in a generation.
- Population growth is impacted by immigration; coastal cities are seeing increase in need for apartments.
In 2014
Residential construction is only 48% of its previous peak
Non residential construction grew 4-8% last year-top producers listed in order of dollars spent:
- Power (Pipeline)
- Roads and Highway
- Upper Education(Dropping) (PreK-12 may start to show some investments 2015 forward)
- Commercial Remodeling (Growing) (Retail construction is 50% from 2008 levels, all other commercial is showing the growth)
- Manufacturing (Growing a double digit rates, especially relating to oil and gas)
- Office(Flat)
- Transportation(Flat)
- Health Care (Waning) (New construction is on the decline. Private hospitals are seeing competition in stand alone medical services suppliers as stimulated by the affordable care act. Off-site medical office building is on the rise.)
- Sewage(Waning)
- Amusement & Recreation(Waning)
- Lodging (Waning), (Lodging was up 19% in 2014 but hotel growth is estimated to continue to 2015 and then wane. Rev/Par rising each of the last 5 years but investors are skid dish. Student housing has influenced the lodging numbers on the upside.)
COAA: Construction Owners Association of America supports project owners’ success in the design and construction of buildings and facilities through education, information and developing relationships within the industry.
