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Create healthier interiors using evidence‑based design
Susan Mulholland Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesOur lives seem to always be going in a million directions, and we seem to be connected to every aspect of it. With our phones, computers and other technology-driven habits, it's no wonder we are facing major health issues — not just as we age but during our entire life.
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Remodeling activity increases as home equity grows
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesRemodelers are riding the rising tide of home values. According to recent industry polls, home improvement and remodeling professionals in all sectors, as a group, experienced increased business in the second quarter, compared to the first, and are seeing a higher number of inquiries than they did at the same time last year. Despite some challenges to meet demand, expectations for continued growth in the second half of the year remain strong.
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With economy on cruise control, home buyers readjust aspirations
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsConsumer expectations that the Trump administration's pro-business and anti-tax policies would give a big boost to the economy have eroded in recent months as legislation has stalled in Washington. While consumers feel good about their current personal financial situation, they are less optimistic about the short-term economic outlook and more concerned about what a sluggish economy may mean for their future prospects.
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Communication is a design skill
Leslie LaskinReese Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesDesign itself is a communication skill. We communicate our understanding of the client's needs using drawings and specifications, which contractors and fabricators then turn into the space our clients requested we design. So we're using design to communicate. These are the skills that we learn in design school.
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‘Urbanism Without Effort’ — Are urban designers trying too…
Lucy Wallwork Civil & GovernmentAttempts at "placemaking" have been at the center of attention for urbanists for some time now. But is it really possible to "make" places? How successfully can architects and urban planners design strong communities into existence?
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Are you speaking your clients’ language?
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesDemand for residential interior design services has been on a general downward trend for the past year or so. Many factors, already well known to designers, are contributing to this trend — including the aging of clients and current homeowners, a decline in new and existing home inventory for sale, the DIY and sharing economies, and e-commerce.
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Discovering Wisconsin’s Frank Lloyd Wright Trail
Dave G. Houser Recreation & LeisureTimed to celebrate Frank Lloyd Wright’s 150th birthday this year, a new trail has been established to take travelers on a self-guided architectural adventure through southern Wisconsin. Wright is widely regarded as America's greatest architect. Born in the Badger State's rugged Driftless Region, he spent his boyhood summers working on his uncle's farm in Spring Green and eventually built his now famous home and studio — Taliesin — just a mile away.
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Take the time to close the communication loop
Lloyd Princeton Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementIf you start something, finish it. That seems like one of those primal, "everything I needed to know I learned in kindergarten," common-sense rules that every professional should know and follow. Not so these days. From what I am seeing in my firm, people today are too preoccupied with getting going on the next thing to finish what they started in the first place.
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Housing shortage benefits sellers, affluent buyers
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsShrinking inventories and concern over a possible increase in mortgage rates drove up sales of new and existing homes in May. Along with sales, they also drove up prices, placing homeownership further out of reach for lower-income, younger and first-time buyers.
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Don’t get bamboozled by these interior design business blunders
Fred Berns Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesIf your interior design business isn't where it could be and should be this summer, you might blame it on blunders. You may be committing the same sales and marketing missteps that sabotage the success of too many design professionals, too often.
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