Social Media by Design: A Q&A with Architect Lira Luis

The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) hosted its 15th Industry Roundtable from January 6 to 8, in part exploring social media’s role as it affects designers, architects, and manufacturers from some of the most present brands in the design community. Although a White Paper on the event won’t be available until next month, Contract had the chance to speak with Lira Luis, one of the panel speakers at the two-part discussion “Work: Who, Where, How. The Intersection of Culture, Workplace, and Social Media,” that looked at how social media is changing the way the A&D industry conducts business.


How has social media changed your definition of “work”?

Lira Luis: Social media—whether I’m designing a core and shell building or an interior space—has enhanced my work as an architect; I see it as a tool. For example, in a recent restaurant project, I was in search of consultants to work with, so I reached out to people in my social media network for recommendations, particularly on LinkedIn. I also ask colleagues about their experiences with specific manufacturers when searching for products to specify.

How has it changed your work environment?

Luis: The work environment has become more and more collaborative. The experience of one colleague becomes the shared experience of others in the profession from which we can all learn.

Has social media changed how you relate to clients? Manufacturers? Brands?

Luis: Yes. What I normally look for when I select products/manufacturers, aside from quality, are experiences dealing with them. I ask questions like, “Will this manufacturer help make it easier to accomplish the design objective?” Or “Will this manufacturer or brand cause delays on the project?” Then I look to SoMe [social media] for those kinds of experiences to be translated, like how responsive they would be to my questions [from their level of interaction].

As far as clients, or potential ones, I find that if you add value to connecting, more often than not it results in project leads. Sometimes it may not be directly with the person, but it will be someone from his or her own network. It's like the online version of word-of-mouth marketing.

Has it solved design-related problems you had experienced in the past?

Luis: It doesn't directly solve design related problems, but it does add another platform to make communication lines accessible to everyone in a project team.

Has social media created any problems in your work?

Luis: While SoMe has enabled the ability to constantly be in touch with others more than ever, this has become a double-edged sword. I find that if we rely solely on this type of platform for communication where body language is absent, it can lead to miscommunication.

Do you have any advice for designers looking to use social media to their advantage?

Luis: It can be a very useful tool for designers or it can be a tool for wasting a lot of time. Knowing what you want to get out of social media from the beginning is key.

Lira Luis, AIA, RIBA, NCARB, UAP, LEED AP BD+C, is a global American architect specializing in organic architecture and is the founder of Atelier Lira Luis, LLC. To learn more about her work visit liraluis.com.

World Monuments Watch List 2012 Released

There may be debate in our industry on whether to preserve a landmark or to rebuild or redevelop it. For me personally, it's a gray area where some structures and sites are worth saving and some are not. But I'd have to applaud the World Monuments Fund on their preservation efforts through their biennial endangered-site list (the 2012 list was released just this month). While the organization was founded in the 1960's, it didn't launch the World Monuments Watch list until 1996, so the public was largely unaware of these culturally significant sites that were, in some cases quite literally, crumbling to the ground.

What particularly draws me to the organization is that oftentimes the endangered sites aren't limited to, say, the Saarinen masterpiece in a major metropolis or a Wright house in the Midwest. Rather, it might be a temple sinking into waters off of Southeast Asia, the ruins of an ancient Mesopotamian court, a district of historic houses in the U.S. hit by hurricane, or a once grand European cathedral that's now seeing its end of days. More often, the WMF has kept its eye on international sites that aren't in danger of being pushed out by a new shopping center or condominium, but by the elements, economic hardship, or even civil or governmental change. Moreover, to the WMF, it's not just about saving a site from decay or destruction--it's about restoring heritage and reconnecting people to place. Indeed, some of these places are the very fabric or identity of a culture.

If you're like me, you're no Bill Gates or Martha Stewart when it comes to funds. But, we can still do our part to help preserve these sites whether it's through getting the word out to increase public awareness, or making a small donation to the fund. (85 percent of the WMF's revenue goes to preservation projects, fieldwork, advocacy, and educational programs.) To view the 67 sites listed for 2012, a slideshow of the sites, or more information on the organization and donating, visit www.wmf.org.

Images, from top: Wangduechhoeling Palace in Bhutan; Cour Royale de Tiebele in Burkina Faso; painting the earthen walls of Cour Royale de Tiebele. Images courtesy of the World Monuments Fund.

Pairing Up to Design a Difference

One of the primary things I’ve come to love about design since I was introduced to the world of A&D is the power it has to change people’s lives. Recently, I’ve received news of two firms, DLR Group and Corner Green & Associates (CGA), making a difference in Joplin, Missouri. The town was hit by a devastating tornado on May 22 that destroyed the many structures throughout the town, including the local high school.

The Kansas City office of DLR Group was quick to respond. The firm partnered with CGA, also locally based, and sent a structural and K-12 design team to assess the facilities and begin discussing the community’s educational needs, the first of which was a temporary high school for students to attend in the fall.

 
The firms currently are finalizing a fast-track, 69-day renovation of an 84,000-square-foot retail department store into a temporary educational space for the 1,200 displaced 11th and 12th grade students. The space will feature small learning communities and collaboration spaces to enhance learning and offer students a place to relax and socialize.

 
The facility also includes administration and counseling offices, a social commons area with a school store and coffee bar, a media center, and Information Technology support spaces. Moveable walls, which double as marker boards, will allow for the flexibility of classroom size.

“This was a design-centric project with a great sense of urgency,” says DLR Group principal Kevin Greischar, AIA. “It had to be the definition of integrated design with architects, school district officials, construction partners, and even parents and students in the room at the same time. We used BIM as our tool to bridge the gap from design to construction in five days. Having the high school ready for students in the coming month is essential to returning a sense of normalcy and community in Joplin.”

Students will return to school on August 17.

--Stacy Straczynski

Do It for the Kids (of Kathmandu)

I’m not necessarily a very charitable person (a terrible thing to say, I know, but let me explain). I’d rather be one to make a difference by, say, running a marathon and raising money/awareness in others than mindlessly throwing dimes into a container at a storefront. After all, when you’re a writer for a living, those dimes can be few and far between in the bottom of your purse. But I do have to admit that like most people (at least those with some sort of heart anyway), I recognize a good cause when I see it.

That’s why I was thrilled to recently receive a note about a design-inspired initiative, called Kids of Kathmandu, that is raising awareness for Nepalese orphans. It started last year when Brooklyn-based newlyweds Andrew Raible, a furniture maker, and Jami Saunders, a photographer, used their honeymoon to volunteer in an orphanage in Kathmandu, Nepal. They were so touched that once home they formed Kids of Kathmandu. The newly established non-profit utilizes photography, art, and design to raise awareness and funding for the 41 kids, half of whom suffer from chronic malnutrition.

 
The organization’s first initiative, The Desk Project, called designers to create unique children’s desks to support the orphans education. Eleven different designers came to the call, and each of the teams’ 11 desk designs will be auctioned off at an inaugural fundraising gala, being held in New York City on May 12, to raise money.  Tickets cost $75 ticket and will cover an evening of hors d’ourves, drinks, and live music. Additionally, the event will feature a photographic art installation that showcases large-format photos of the orphan children, which will be available for sale.

Desks crafted by:
Andrew Raible (Standard41) http://standard41.com
Andrew Rumpler (Nine Stories Furniture Co) www.ninestoriesdesign.com
Ben Strear (Strear Built) www.strear-built.com
Bill Hilgendorf (Uhuru) www.uhurudesign.com
Brian DeRosia www.brianderosia.com
Daniel Moyer (Daniel Moyer Design) www.danielmoyerdesign.com
Eric Manigian www.manigian.com
James Harmon (Workshop) www.workshopdesignbuildllc.com
Mark Righter (Cambium Studio) www.cambiumstudio.com
MADE www.made-nyc.com
Wadaly www.wadaly.com

More information on the event and organization is available at http://kidsofkathmandu.org/. Make sure to spread the word and share your kudos with the contributing desk designers!

--Stacy Straczynski

Publicizing Public Design: SFI Conference Recap

A few weekends ago I attended Structures for Inclusion 10+1 (SFI) at the School of The Art Institute of Chicago. The conference aims to foster awareness of public design initiatives that are taking place around the globe. The weekend consisted of individual presentations, panel discussions, a Luncha Kucha (Pecha Kucha with sandwiches), breakout sessions to provide attendees direct interaction with panelists, workshops, and tours.

The energetic collective of over 400 design professionals, students, and academia sat for open remarks from Bryan Bell, founder and executive director of Design Corps and co-sponsor of SFI, who discussed SEED (Social Economic Environmental Design), a certification initiative that encourages design professionals to support public interest in design or, as it was reiterated over the course of the weekend, “design for the 98 percent without architects.”  I hadn’t been made aware of SEED until the conference weekend but all of the projects shared at SFI represented of the principles that the initiative stood for, which  gave me a better understanding.

One of my favorite projects was the work that Rural Studio director Andrew Freear presented on the Perry Lake Park project. After building a central meeting area in the park, they added on three futurist, stand-alone restrooms, one of which was very Zaha Hadid-like.

I also enjoyed hearing from Emily Pilloton, founder of Project H Design. The students in the public high school design and build program in Bertie County, North Carolina, where Project H is now based, was one of the SEED Competition winners. The one-year program produces two projects—chicken coops and a farmer’s market, which is still in its design phase. What was even more inspiring was finding out the Emily started Project H shortly out of graduate school with just a few thousand dollars in hand.

Going into SFI, I had no idea how much of an influence the conference would have on me—it enlightened me to see some possibilities for the future of my studies and career path. I always knew that I wanted to help people in some form or fashion but never knew quite what that would entail. And while I’m still not completely sure, learning that there are a community of designers and architects out there using this same design passion to better deserving communities really opened my eyes. I’m now considering volunteering with the Chicago Chapter of Architecture for Humanity after hearing director Katherine Darnstadt speak during the Luncha Kucha and then again at the Volunteering Workshop.

I look forward to next year’s SFI, which is potentially scheduled to be hosted in Austin. In the mean time, all of us pumped up public designers, and those in the making, still are overwhelmed with a great energy. I encourage all to keep this conversation going until next year by joining the SEED Network’s Web site at http://www.seed-network.org/join/. I'll see you there!
 

--La Keisha Leek, design student blogger for Contract

Love Race

Gunlocke and Dani Leather teamed up in February to spread some love and raise awareness for the 2011 Cupid’s Chase 5K Race, an annual charity marathon to benefit Community Options, a national non-profit that develops homes and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

 
The manufacturers hosted a cocktail reception and silent auction fundraiser to kick off the race, raising more than $16,000 through a silent auction of items donated by Gunlocke dealers and A&D partners, as well as sponsorship donations from Lane/DIRT, CFI-Commercial Furniture Interiors, WB Wood, BFI, LJ Duffy, MMoser Architects, Office Scapes and WB Mason.

 
“At Gunlocke, we’re continually looking for the opportunity to help support non-profit organizations that make impactful contributions to their communities,” says Diane Hamilton, marketing services manager at Gunlocke. “We’re pleased that we could also work with one of our valuable partners, Dani Leather, to support such an amazing cause.”

The Cupid’s Chase 5K annually takes place in 24 cities, throughout 10 states. About 700 participants completed the New York City run. 

Gunlocke's Good Deeds Meet Office Needs

 
Furniture manufacturer Gunlocke hosted once again its annual Office Needs for Good Deeds competition, awarding the $75,000 Grand Prize office makeover to a non-profit in need of a design upgrade. Crisis Nursury, an Urbana, Ill-based organization that helps to prevent child abuse by providing emergency intervention and support services to families in crisis, was named as the 2011 winner.

Crisis Nursery was chosen from a total of 116 non-profits that submitted pictures of their offices and a description of how an office makeover would enhance their capability to serve their respective communities. Entrants were judged on their devotion to execute the non-profit’s mission, their positive influence on the communitym and the need for a more efficient workspace.

Gunlocke provided Crisis Nursery with products from its Silea™ casegood line, which features technology intergration capabilities, wire management, and storage solutions in a simple, aesthetic, and functional design. Other products from competition sponsors used in the redesign include Johnsonite Space™ modular resilient flooring and wall base, Luxo Terea™ task lighting and Loft™ uplighting, and Pratt & Lambert Accolade® acrylic latex interior coatings.

Stephanie Record, executive director of Crisis Nursery, says in a statement, “Since all of our funding goes to support children and families, our mismatched furniture of desks, chairs, tables and filing cabinets were not items that we could afford to replace. The makeover has been a tremendous morale booster for staff members who have become accustomed to working in less than ideal conditions, and it has enhanced the professionalism of the office space for donors who enter our doors on a daily basis to support our mission."

 

On the Catwalk

 
“I’m a Barbie Girl in a Barbie World. Wrapped in plastic, it’s fantatic…” Apologies to all for drawing up memories of the annoyingly catchy late-90s pop culture song (which is now once again stuck in my head), but I can’t think of a more fitting song that should have been playing on Oct. 28 when employees from office furniture manufacturer KI and textile manufacturer Pallas Textiles strutted down the runway at the IIDA New England Fashion Show. In tune with their original “Plastic to Fantastic" theme,  a collaboration with Tandus Flooring and architectural firm Dyer Brown, the staffers donned fashions created from various Pallas and Tandus collections to take home the Best Interpretation of Theme award.

Over 800 design professionals attended the charity (R) Evolution event, which challenged teams of designers and vendors to turn specific products into wearable fashions. All proceeds were donated to Dress for Success, a non-profit organization that aims to support the career development of underprivileged women.

--Stacy Straczynski

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

  
The 2010 Annual Kitchen Walk, a tour of seven unique kitchens located in Harbor Country Michigan, raised more than $50,000, benefiting Chicago-based Designs for Dignity (df4). The event, held last month, was attended by 350 guests who experienced a day of culinary delight while supporting  a good cause.

The afternoon extravaganza showcased innovative, private kitchens throughout Harbor Country in which local chefs demonstrated their culinary expertise and guests were able to taste dishes ranging from Latin-inspired grilled chicken and beans to cider braised pork sandwiches with apple chutney.  Guests were also able to learn new cooking tips, receive recipes and design ideas, participate in wine tastings, and bid on silent auction items, such as a wine tasting and dinner with Chef Greg and tickets to the 2011 Kitchen Walk.

 
“This incredible event keeps growing each year and we are so grateful to the dedication and enthusiasm of not only our board members, staff and event chairs, but the hundreds of people who continue to support this life-changing program,” says Wendy Cohen, d4d board member. 
 
 
All proceeds directly benefit d4d, a program that transforms the environments of area nonprofits that serve marginalized or endangered populations.  Recent projects include working with interior designer Beverly Hammel of Beverly Hammel Kitchen & Bath to renovate a Chicago funeral home into a local Youth Program.  Designs for Dignity also utilized quality lounge pieces and office furniture designed by Coalesse and placed them at local nonprofits, such as Thelma’s Place and Chicago HOPES tutoring program.

--Lindsey Collier

Follow the Yellow 'Ribbon' Road

While many bore their yellow ribbons in pride this past weekend (November 13 and 14) for Veteran’s Day, one group of students and residents in Central Florida took their tribute to maximum proportions during the fourth annual Fantasy of Flight Roar n’ Soar Festival of Speed, an All-American themed two-day extravaganza, held in Polk City, F.L. to honor the men and women who have served in the armed forces.

In an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest awareness ribbon (802 feet), the students and locals collaborated to design a massive yellow paper ribbon, made from pictures and messages, which was laid out in the parking lot for measurement.

Organizers plan to move the ribbon to the ramp of a hangar later this week for a final count.

Talk about going for the gold!

--Stacy Straczynski
Photo by Michael Wilson, Ledger Photos, http://www.theledger.com/