Roger Thomas Rocks HD Expo 2010

We had a fabulous time celebrating design icon Roger Thomas and all that he’s contributed to the world of fantasy resorts during last month’s Hospitality Design Expo in Las Vegas. A glamorous party was held in his honor at the Encore Villa Suites–one of Steve Wynn’s luxurious resorts. (Roger has worked with Wynn for over thirty years creating one fantasy retreat after another.) The packed house partied to a custom jazz mix by Joshua Smith and noshed on mini-grilled cheese sandwiches while enjoying Roger’s signature fuchsia-colored cocktail. What a perfect way to celebrate Roger’s own witty yet comfortable approach to out-of-this-world design.

Roger launched three new exquisite design collections at HD Expo 2010 for the party’s hosts: Rocky Mountain Hardware, Townsend Leather, and Fromental. Each a wonderful design pairing. For Rocky Mountain Hardware’s new Paris Collection, Roger drew on his love of 17th century French decorative arts as well as his extensive collection of antique knobs and pulls picked up on his many visits to the Paris flea markets. “I loved working with the artisans at RMH,” said Roger.  “They paired my hand-drawn sketches with their sophisticated design operation to create objects that capture the heart and soul of the artisans who make them.”

Atlas Shrugged

Ayn Rand suggested many years ago the notion that society would collapse without its most productive, creative minds propelling it forward. Well, burgeoning designer Scott Jarvie may be leading the pack of young designers thinking about design, its relationship to art and ultimately functionality.

On display now at the Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow are his geometric “Atlas” chairs, which allow the efficiency and beauty of their construction to shine through. The lines of the chair remind us of the human spine, perhaps one of nature’s most beautiful and important creations.

Jarvie will be showing these prototypes at this year’s 100% Design London, and then hopefully it’s onward to the US.

Images courtesy of designboom.

ADAC Southeastern Contract Designer of the Year

J Banks Design Group has been named the 2009 Southeast Contract Designer of the Year by the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) for their innovative and multi-faceted body of work around the globe. This honor from ADAC is the most recent of many design awards that J Banks has received. With more than 30 years of industry experience, J Banks founder and president Joni Vanderslice has led her team in creating innovative and successful projects around the world.

“I am so thrilled for our firm to receive this prestigious award,” said Vanderslice. “Everyone here at J Banks works so hard to realize our clients’ dreams and visions, and this recognition from ADAC is a true testament to our team’s commitment to excellence. Our region is so full of visionaries and creative minds, and for us to have been chosen from this fantastic group is truly an additional honor.”

Sneak Peak of NeoCon

Sondra Alexander Couture for Koroseal | Booth 8-7066
Dressage – Inspired by the harmony, flexibility and balance found in French equestrian pageantry, Sondra Alexander’s Dressage design combines the subtle textures of wood carving and leather to exemplify the elegance and sophistication of this classical artform.

Rocky Mountain Hardware | Urban Archaeology Showroom | Suite 108
The Ellis Collection – Designed by Rocky Mountain Hardware Design Studio, the brand new Ellis Collection is inspired by the finely ornamented fittings of the Victorian era. Its designs are fresh and innovative, while preserving the traditional aesthetic hallmarks and timeless beauty of the period.

Ted Boerner | Holland & Sherry Showroom | Suite 6-118
The Commune Dining Table and Server – Inspired by the concept that a dining table is more than just an heirloom, Ted Boerner’s Commune embodies what a dining table truly is: a place where friends and family gather together and connect with one another; a place where new traditions are made. The coordinating Commune Server completes the room’s aesthetic.

Rodolph | Summer Hill Showroom | Suite 6-157
Traviata – Part of the new Insignia collection, Rodolph’s Traviata is reminiscent of the great Italian opera of the same name. This exquisite velvet marries rich luminous elements with a contemporary floral composition, and adds luster to any setting.

Nomi Fabrics | David Sutherland Showroom | Suite 1800
Taza – Nomi has added yet another stunning fabric to her “high couture for the home.” Taza, a hand-painted 100% linen chintz, offers delightful visual texture inspired by richly patterned Moroccan mosaics.

Aldo Bernardi | William Switzer Showroom | Suite 1850
Civetta Chandelier – Like patinated palmettos, an array of individual fixtures branch out from the slender central trunk of Aldo Bernardi’s copper and brass Civetta Chandelier, ensuring bright light in even the most spacious areas.

Lori Weitzner’s Address at NeoCon

Please join design visionary Lori Weitzner for this CEU-accredited presentation

The Preservation of Passion
Wednesday, June 17, 12:30 PM
Neocon World’s trade fair 2009
The Merchandise Mart Chicago
Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza
Wolfpoint Ballroom

Inspiration can be found in anything that offers stimulation to the senses – in something as specific as a color palette taken from a single artifact or as extensive as a cultural time period, both of which can act as a nucleus for creativity.

Lori Weitzner’s “The Preservation of Passion” will focus on the artist’s never-ending quest for new sources of inspiration. The presentation will concentrate on the process through which Weitzner goes to find inspiration in her work and give the listening audience practical tools with which to ensure their own success, with the fundamental goal being to offer sources of inspiration for the listening audience in their own work.

Don’t miss this conceptually stimulating presentation from one of the design industry’s greatest visionaries.

ICFF 2009’s Best of Show Only at Ted Boerner New York

Pioneering wall covering designer Tracy Kendall has won the coveted Editors Award at this year’s ICFF. Tracy’s trademark wit and textural innovation caught the eyes of the Editors Committee, and she was awarded Best of Show in the Wall Coverings category.

Tracy’s complete collection is available nationally through Ted Boerner New York showroom, Suite 515, New York Design Center. Stop by today and see what catches your eye!