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What to know about distributing your products in North America
Lloyd Princeton Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesNorth America, and the United States in particular, is one of the largest markets for selling just about everything, particularly home furnishing products. And while the rewards can be great, the cost of entry is also great. The problem is directly related to the size of both the U.S. and Canada, as well as the diversity within each country in terms of regions and their buying needs. If you are a manufacturer considering entering the marketplace, there are a few considerations to know. Additionally, this article is going to focus on the modes of distribution in the design trade community.
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The power of the pop-up: ‘Temporary use’ strategies in US cities
Lucy Wallwork Construction & Building MaterialsThe concept of "temporary" or "meanwhile use" goes back to long before the term slipped into the narrative of urban policy agendas. The first time an enterprising trader rolled a food truck into an empty square, they were practicing temporary urbanism. But today the "temporary use" movement is taking on a new light and even becoming a mainstream strategy. The approach fits with the new, more flexible approach to urban planning we are increasingly seeing currently. Approaches vary, but the philosophy is one that views empty lots not as an urban problem or eyesore, but instead as opportunities.
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Homebuying softens as market idles
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsPurchases of existing single-family homes remained flat in August as the gap between consumer demand and affordable inventory widened. New home sales rose for the first time since May, but figures for June and July were revised downward. With many would-be buyers unable or unwilling to purchase a home at current rates, pressure has been building to lower costs. And housing prices, while not yet receding, have begun to rise more slowly in some parts of the country, perhaps an indication that the market is hitting its peak.
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Do active workstations benefit employees?
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesMost of us engage in much less daily physical activity than our parents or grandparents did. Some individuals, such as office workers, students, educators and administrators, spend a great deal of the day seated, whether working, studying or in meetings. Over time, this can lead to serious health problems. Proponents of active workstations claim they promote increased physical activity throughout the day and improve wellness. Research, on the other hand, suggests the benefits can vary depending on the individual, the type of workstation and how it is used.
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Can the US do ‘slow’ urban development?
Lucy Wallwork Construction & Building MaterialsThe Cittaslow ("Slow City") movement, launched by a group of small Italian towns in the late 1990s, professes to "do for urban planning what the Slow Food movement has done for agriculture." It calls for a slower form of city- and town-making based on values of environmental sustainability, craft, seasonality, and the revaluing of local history and heritage. As their manifesto states, the movement strives for "towns where men are still curious of the old times."
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The benefits of VR are so broad, they’re beyond tangible
Joseph Zulick Science & TechnologyAmidst all the hype and wide-eyed growth predicted for virtual reality, it's often difficult for stakeholders to decide which of its two words to focus on. Will VR deliver only indirect, "virtual" benefits to businesses or direct, tangible benefits that become bottom-line reality? On this topic, today's hype will definitely become tomorrow's given. Even in these earliest days, VR is already a game-changer, and the future holds immense promise for almost every business vertical.
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Forecasters project high demand for remodeling services will continue
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesRemodeling activity is at levels not seen for some years. Fueled by economic, market and demographic trends, demand is likely to remain strong for the next several years, according to some recent forecasts. The growth trajectory may level off somewhat, but remodelers and designers will have plenty of work to keep busy. Affirming earlier data showing that remodeling activity picked up this spring, Metrostudy recently announced that its Residential Remodeling Index (RRI) hit an all-time high in the second quarter of this year.
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Time: How designers and clients see it differently
Susan Mulholland Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesWhat do you tell your clients when they ask how much time it will take to do a particular project? Time is always an issue when a client is thinking about hiring an interior designer. We often charge by the hour, so if a project takes more time than clients think it should, they are less likely to hire you. Being upfront about your fees and how you work make for a good start to getting a client to understand how you view and use time.
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Luxury home market gets a makeover
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesIs the luxury home market on a roll or did it just take a dive? The answer depends on which part of the market — and whose numbers — you’re looking at. Taking a step back to view the bigger picture, what really stands out is that the luxury home market is undergoing a change as home prices soar and tastes change. That could benefit designers. Last month, real estate website Redfin caused a stir when it released its analysis of luxury home sales in the second quarter of this year.
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Beware of the slippery job candidate
Lloyd Princeton Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesAnyone trying to hire in today’s architecture and design community knows how challenging it can be to find good employees. As the pool of high-quality candidates shrinks, some less than desirable ones are making the rounds, hoping the odds will be in their favor. Employers need to be extra vigilant to ensure they make a good hire. Lately, in our firm, we have seen a proliferation in certain types of unsuitable candidates.
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