Here we are, right in the middle of tradeshow season. As a trend tracker, it’s my favorite time of year! We’re just back from BDwest, a new show for hospitality, and GlobalShop, our major retail event, and now gearing up for Hospitality Design’s HDExpo. Between all of these, it’s apparent that the worlds of retail and hospitality continue to influence each other.

In both, the trend is to create memorable experiences that entice guests to return again and again. Just what is the secret to creating spaces that stick? In many bold, fresh spaces, I’m seeing a similar technique: a clever play with the power of materials.

(photo courtesy of DVF)
Diane Von Furstenberg, Caesar's Palace Forum Shops, Las Vegas
Kramer Design Group, featuring Crystallized Glass Stone Collection

If you’re looking to be inspired by the latest tricks of the trade, look no further! While designers love to discover new innovations in our extensive range of interior finishes, you’ll notice a number of these recent projects were inspired by the capabilities of Ornamental Surfaces, a robust collection of more than 80 adhesive-backed patterns and colors in three groupings – Sublime, Retro, and Deco — that can cover existing surfaces simply and easily. 

Here’s a look at my favorite #trends happening in retail and hospitality, and how they crossover!

#WowFactor

At the original Gansevoort Hotel in NYC’s uber-trendy Meatpacking district, Jeffrey Beers has created a multi-dimensional atmosphere using mirrored interior finishes that refract and reflect light in TOY, a multifunctional dining space. Striking graphics, sculptural elements and a dynamic DJ booth compliment the dining experience. To create a space that is decidedly “downtown” they used ASI’s luxe-looking Ornamental Surfaces in Deco—flexible dimensional and iridescent grids in a range of sizes and colorations. 

TOY at Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC, Jeffrey Beers International

Just how did retail inspire this interior? TOY was influenced by an installation at BOFFO Building Fashion. There, Gage/Clemenceau Architects created a luminous, faceted experience for Lady Gaga’s creative director, Nicola Formichetti, using the mirror-like  material on the walls, ceiling and even floors (as it was a pop-up space).

BOFFO Building Fashion Installation, Gage/Clemenceau Architects

#RenovationInnovation

Just north of the Meatpacking district at the Industry Bar Group’s Chelsea club, Barracuda, the designers have created a warm, lustrous lodge feel. Using the wood grain impressions from ASI’s Ornamental Surfaces in Retro, metallic colorations make a design statement in this renovated nightclub space. The club owners were able to install this product themselves, as the self-adhesive backing peels and sticks right over an existing wall, providing an instant refresh to any high-traffic space (no matter how rundown or how limited the budget)!

Barracuda, Industry Bar Group

On the retail side, creative genius James Mansour used Ornamental Surfaces at XSRE, a national accessory store for young women. In a space where trends can change even faster than the seasons, he built Ornamental Surfaces into the DNA of the store, allowing decorative materials to be changed out as needed, so its brand can be lined with metallic gold one day or animal print the next! 

XSRE, Multiple Locations, Mansour Design

#Form&Function

dash design chose Ornamental Surfaces to do double duty in the W Union Square guestrooms. This custom navy blue pattern has the hip, W Hotel aesthetic, but it also covers a partition that frames the TV, while delineating space between the bedroom and living room.

W Union Square New York, dash design

We love working with dash design, true masters of both smart and sexy interiors! Last year, we supplied ASI Hardwood Flooring for Godiva's global flagship concepts. This project is yet another example of a healthy marriage of both form and function. Not only was this hardwood FSC certified but it added a chocolate-y palette to the interior, translating the Godiva brand with a material.

Godiva Chocolatier, Istanbul, dash design

#WhatsNext

The newest, soon-to-be-launched grouping in Ornamental Surfaces is Glam - glitzy designs inlaid in recyclable PMMA, which is perfect for bar fronts, features walls and tabletops, just in time for the HD Expo in May. 

Visiting the show? Stop by Architectural Systems booth 1659 to see its debut and even more of the most innovation product solutions for hospitality and beyond. 

While it’s still winter here in New York, spring has sprung in the stores. Yes, I’ve been known to canvas the shops, scoping out new heels or handbags for upcoming events and holidays! Yet it truly does serve as research, too. As a trend tracker, I can’t help but take note of the colorful shift in the design of branded environments where the finishes ‘pop’ the merchandise.

How are interior designers pulling off dynamic brights? By pairing them with natural neutrals like linen, gray, and black and white.

The recent refresh of the accessory store, Capelli New York, might be my favorite example. There, they used Sculptured™ Collection in a vibrantly painted yellow-green on statement-making feature columns, which juxtaposed a light gray ASI Porcelain Wood Grain floor. Kathy LaBar, VP of product and design, Capelli, said she was drawn to the movement that the wall panels provided and the warmth that came from the wood-look of the flooring.

            Capelli New York, In-House design                 Manolo Blahnik Spring '13

Looking at this year’s Pantone chart for spring 2013 selections, and through our collaborations with designers, I see a host of popular shades influencing fashion and interiors alike - red, deep blue, lemon and the biggest trend – green. Maybe it’s because Emerald is the color of the year, or maybe it is inspired by the release of The Great and Powerful Oz, but it is definitely au courant!

When clients come to ASI with their project concepts, I suggest products like Sculptured™ Collection and Eco-Dimensions Bamboo Wall Panels which are primed for painting, allowing you to create a signature material for your brand. When looking for even more sheen, Shimmer Vinyl is perfect for floor and wall applications with a lustrous appearance, and can be customized to match any Pantone color.

  

Shimmer Vinyl Collection®       Prada Spring '13      Eco-Dimensions

If you’re looking for WHAT’S NEXT®, I will host a Trend Tour with Nancy Jackson, ASI president, at booth #4000 during GlobalShop. Stop by to see even more examples of creative pairings of ASI products, like Liquid Concrete Porcelain, a collection of tiles that look just like poured concrete (a stunning neutral), and Techno™ Recycled Glass Surfaces, a grouping of panels in gem-stone hues.

          Liquid Concrete Porcelain                 Techno™ Recycled Glass Surfaces

As always, stay tuned to my blog for new trends as we look at hospitality in April. And don’t forget to follow us on social media for daily inspiration.

While I may be a Materialista, I know I’m not the only one who has gone out of her way to touch a wall tile or wonder about the hardwood flooring that was used in a trendy hotel. Yes, materials are my passion… and I know they’re your passion too.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to ask designers what interior finishes they love. It's so great to share this love with like-minded people that now it's a tradition!

Our first bit of love came from II by IV Design, an award-winning Toronto firm. Principals Dan Menchions and Keith Rushbrook had this to say to Hospitality Design magazine in a recent issue:  

 “Fusion Wood Panels from Architectural Systems are made from reclaimed wine barrels, and sometimes you can see the vineyard names. We love their sustainability as well as the texture and coloration, which comes from the natural wine stains.”

We asked Harry Cunningham, SVP of Visual at Saks, what he was taken by, too. Turns out it is depth and dimension in material. 

“I am a big fan of glass tile... There are so many varieties today, and even with the new finishes and mixes, they all nod back to artistic works of the past.” 

                   Saks Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, featuring Artisan Glass

Meanwhile, Cynthia Passarelli, Senior Designer and Director of Resource Studio,Charles Sparks + Company, expressed her affection for a product that made an impact for Neiman Marcus.

“Love Magna Mosaic® because of the subtle way the material can give you elegance and texture in natural colors. When lit properly the texture can be seen from quite a distance, a perfect backdrop to showcase beautiful products.”

         Neiman Marcus, Bellevue, WA, featuring Magna Mosaic® Collection 

Our friend Edward Calabrese, Senior Associate, Retail Group Creative Director, Mancini Duffy, made us blush with his response. 

“We have been specifying ASI products for many years. It seems when I’m looking for the unique, I can always rely on this source. Right now we have two wood flooring products going into the renovation of Bloomingdale’s Chicago – a fabulous hardwood in random planks for a section of Designer Women’s Shoes and a really beautiful Herringbone in Accessories. The color and finishes are so often in sync with our point of view. (More importantly, we know the performance of ASI products assures us of a worry free installation!)”

Bloomingdale's, Santa Monica, CA, featuring Shore Hardwood Collection

FRCH’s VP, Creative Managing Director, Heesun Kim, also favors ASI Hardwood. 

“The European Hardwood Collection is one of my favorites. It is a timeless flooring solution for any space. The color is very sophisticated and the installation looks fantastic!”

As a blogger, my second love is media! Check out some of my top sites: 

http://hdtalks.hospitalitydesign.com/

Don’t miss their recent post on the Balance of Work and Family, an IIDANY forum I was on the committee for, moderated by Nancy Jackson, Architectural Systems, together with five, all-star hospitality design panelists.

www.materialicious.com

We have a soft spot for another like-minded group with “material” in their name, which also features ASI products!

www.architizer.com

It’s been fun to watch this site grow over the years. Look for upcoming collaborations between BOFFO and Architectural Systems, which will be featured on Architizer!

And I love to get news from my other beloved world - fashion - on The Cut by New York magazine and RackedNY ny.racked.com/

You know I’ll be reading them now that it’s Fashion Week!!

Blogs are a great way to track the trends and get inspired. What other blogs do you follow?
Let us know in the comments below and share the love of materials through social media!

And while you’re looking for some design ideas this month, don’t miss our special V-day materials trend board on Pinterest. Its theme? Red! 

Happy Valentine's Day!

It’s great to be back after the holidays! Just before the break, we had our company holiday party, and I have to say, it was the best one yet. And not only because of the award I received, recognizing me for Outstanding Performance in sales for 2012! What’s even better is that I really enjoy my work and the people I work with, especially my customers. I know a big part of my personal success has come from collaborating with and learning from my designer friends.

  
View more ASI Holiday Party pics on Facebook >>

So what are the secrets to their success? From what I see, it’s the blend of great design talent and business sense. But I asked some of them to get their perspective on prospering in this unique industry. Whether you’re an emerging designer who just started a new firm, or a seasoned professional, I think you’ll appreciate these key tips!

George L. Scammell, ASID, IIDA

Vice President Global Design – Architecture & Interior Design, Development Planning and Construction //
Wyndham Worldwide Corporation

"Always mock up and/or model a design concept prior to procurement and installation. Even if this just means ordering one yard of wall covering, a larger sample or placing multiple samples side by side to see a pattern repeat. This will save you from unperceived disappointment and bring you successful results every time."

Wingate by Wyndham

Nadine King

Senior Designer //
SPACE, Macy's Inc.

"To be a good designer you don't necessarily have to re-invent the wheel, but DO get out and see the world. There is so much to inspire us!  At the end of the day though, the best design combines well thought out function with simple forms and GREAT FINISHES...now that's a winning formula!"

Macy's, Warwick, RI

Francesca Bucci

Co-Founder and Principal //
BG Studio International Inc.

"My very first job in a big architecture firm taught me a lesson: learn from your peers and create a support group who share your goals. Many moons after, when I decided to open my own company it was very clear that the success of my company also hinges on building a passionate and competent team of people who shared my visions and my objectives."

Celebrity Cruises Solstice Passport Lobby Lounge, 
BG Studio International Inc.

Cathy Hobbs, ASID/ LEED AP

Owner //

Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes

"When it comes to owning and running an interior design firm, I underestimated the critical importance of sales, marketing and PR when I first started out! These days I firmly believe it is not just about how well you can design, but also if you can achieve brand recognition and stay relevant in the industry. At my company, Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes, we believe it is just as important for us to execute great interiors as it is for us to maintain our strong media relationships…in which the press seeks our thinking on an almost daily basis."

 Livmor Condominium, Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes

View video below for more insights on success.

What helpful lessons have you learned? Please post it in the comments or feel free to share on your Facebook page!

It’s been an incredible year packed with inspiration and innovation. I cannot think of one that has been more fulfilling! With the New Year upon us, join me in remembering our favorite moments from 2012! 

It’s about community

Our loyal readers showed us lots of love. Thank you to everyone who liked Architectural Systems on Facebook and follow our Twitter and Pinterest! In return, we had fun offering up fresh product photos and live coverage from our showroom and industry events.

ANN INC

 Remember the time ANN INC. spelled out its company name? 

Winning Saks window

How about when we sponsored the Student Window Challenge with DDI? 

In September, I blogged about our first ever Power of Materials contest, in which designers submitted photos of their recent (and fabulous) projects incorporating ASI products. Congratulations again to Kathleen Peragine, whose creativity and stellar photography clinched the prize: an iPad.

Holiday House 2012, Lee Najman Designs

On a personal level, we get such joy out of giving back to our industry. In our July blog, I outlined just a few of the charities and associations that we take part in. Nancy Jackson and I are incredibly proud of the flooring that we have donated to Holiday House, a showhouse that raises funds for breast cancer research. Having loved ones who battled the disease, we are always happy to make a contribution of our materials in honor of their memory. 

Point of View

With all of the events we attend and with our vast knowledge of what’s new in interior finishes, our expertise is often tapped by the industry. Our new interview series, WHAT’S NEXT® Live debuted at GlobalShop and at HD Expo. There, Nancy Jackson talked trends with retail guru James Mansour and hospitality heavyweight David Ashen. Both Boutique Design and Hospitality Design magazines invited ASI to blog about the result! These talks complement our Trend Tawk CEU presentations, which highlight the latest shifts in commercial interiors. Connect with us and get the scoop on this course, which is hosted in the ASI showroom!

I'm excited to share that the Materialista® print ad was featured in this month's DDI, a continuation of our cartoon series that illustrates how architects and designers come to ASI with their material challenges and how we develop a solution. Let’s toast to collaboration!

Click image for full story  

Lots to celebrate

As a result of our endless pursuit of WHAT'S NEXT®, ASI introduced more than 20 new products and updated collections in 2012 and was proud to receive a host of awards!   

These honors are meaningful as they acknowledge the collective eye that Architectural Systems is known for, as Nancy, president, and Ron Jackson, CEO, travel the world curating materials, adding them to our broad range of interior finishes.

Beyond our products, we were so honored to be a finalist in the NY Enterprise Report Small Business Awards, which recognized Architectural Systems' unique sales and marketing; call me biased but I suspect it was the Materialista® trend blog that made an impression! 

In 2013, plan on visiting our newly refreshed showroom, which debuted during Retail Design Collective this month. Schedule an appointment to explore the power of materials firsthand.

We thank you for a wonderful year. Here’s to a New Year filled with choice, creativity, and celebration!

Retail is always festive this time of year! Between Black Friday and Christmas, shops are ready to welcome and wow you in their refreshed spaces packed with just the right merchandise for your gift list.

ASI is all set to celebrate the holidays, too. Visit Architectural Systems during the Retail Design Collective on Dec. 5-7, at 150 W. 25th Street, 8th Fl. Get inspired by the latest interior finishes for 2013 in our updated showroom!

Experience and visualize the power of materials through full-scale applications, including our award-winning 2012 introductions and previews of innovative material launches planned for next year: Americana Hardwood, Glass Mosaics - IceMetrix™, revolutionary floating floors, dimensional wood panels and expanded eco-porcelain collections are just a few.

Want insight on the trends? Read on. As a strategic materials partner working to translate retail brands through materials (in a range from specialty stores, to flagships and shop-in-shops in major department stores) we are always tracking WHAT’S NEXT®. Here’s the early word on 2013 from some of the experts at Architectural Systems:

THE LOOK

I work closely with Andrew Cooper , VP of National Accounts (and my bro-in-law!). Through his focused collaborations with large chains and specialty stores, he’s seeing a trend of authentic wood and stone flooring in soft earth tones. This “retail neutral” palette doesn’t overshadow the merchandise. Vinyl that simulates natural, weathered materials is still prevalent, especially when there is a sensitivity to budget. The juxtaposition of stylized industrial looks are still strong, too, as reclaimed woods add warmth and character, paired with cool, contemporary metallic finishes.

 Bottega Veneta, Singapore

THE STRATEGY

Nancy Jackson, President, has deep relationships with the retail design community. She’s watching how new ideas that were introduced in 2012 will continue to make a big impact in 2013. As competition increases to become the favorite retail store, the industry will continue to be creative in developing ways to capture brand loyalty. Just how will the JCP ‘village of shops’ concept influence other national retailers? What about the high-low collaboration like Neiman Marcus and Target, set to open on Dec. 1? I know the Diane von Furstenberg black and white yoga mat is on my wish list this year – what's on yours?

THE EXPERIENCE

Speaking for myself (Gabrielle Jackson  ASI’s Materialista), I love seeing how concept stores offer items for every aspect of life – from clothing, to novelties and home goods. Retail stores are now reflecting a lifestyle. 

C. Wonder has created a stir in New York in the last year, where celebrities were on hand to celebrate the first anniversary of the original SoHo location. Featuring wirebrushed Bamboo Flooring from ASI, the new flagship at the Time Warner Center is a ‘wonder’land with oversized oddities like Zebras, motorcycles, and pops of color everywhere, creating a very memorable in-store environment!

Marimekko’s flagship Flatiron store in New York is a strong representation of an iconic brand, paired together with personalized service. In this case, a seamstress is actually on-site, ready to take orders for pillows, draperies or more made from your favorite Finnish fabrics. This store is a great example of design incorporating timeless elements with fresh twists, with the FSC-certified, light Oak European Hardwood flooring (supplied by ASI) complements the colorful, graphic merchandise.

One of my nieces’ favorite spots in NYC (and where I’ll be gift shopping this year), American Girl also uses strategies to engage its customers, with an in-store Doll Hair Salon, and a café for birthday parties.

Just last week, I read an article by Gensler principal and long-time ASI friend, Kathleen Jordan, a leader in their retail practice, about the resurgence of the customer experience. Her findings illustrate trends that we have been watching. As Jordan says, the success of retailers going forward will come from a willingness to pursue imaginative or radical strategies to serve today’s shopper.

Seeing the progress and re-invention of retail spaces has been very exciting, and ASI is thrilled to be a part of it, working with some of the most creative minds in the industry. Let’s talk about your plans for 2013! Come to Retail Design Collective, have a drink, have a bite. We’re always happy to collaborate with you. We pride ourselves on our unique interior finish solutions that translate your brand.

Happy Holidays to all of you, with the hope that you get everything you wish for this year. In recognition of the difficulties brought on by recent events, I am proud to acknowledge that Architectural Systems has made donations to Hurricane Sandy relief funds.

For as long as I can remember, my family has been in this business. I inherited a strong material expertise, passion for interior design (and fashion!), and zest for the people who make this industry great – our ASI customers who design retail stores, hotel brands and contract spaces globally.

As we head into November events, I’m currently involved with planning a panel discussion and networking event for the IIDANY Hospitality Forum. The program will take place on Nov. 13, following the close of the BDNY tradeshow, and the topic is especially personal to me: the subject of balancing work and family. It’s a major issue in the media lately with the Atlantic Monthly article, “Why Women Still Can’t Have It All,” and Yahoo’s CEO and new mother, Marissa Mayer.

For me, family and business are… closely related! And I’ve seen that “having it all” is difficult but doable. Rachel Cooper, my sister and VP of Sales at Architectural Systems, and I were fortunate to have our mother as a role model in this department. Rachel actually has two young children and her husband, Andrew,
(VP of National Accounts) is also in the business! 

We learned by watching Nancy Jackson, the president of Architectural Systems, and our mom. Together with Ron Jackson, our father, she built the company from scratch. Yet despite a demanding travel schedule – meeting with her top customers all around the world, curating new interior finish collections for our online and New York-based showroom, and lecturing on trends and sustainability – she always made time for us. Friday night dinners are a family tradition. And my sister and I felt we were always a priority.

Nancy will moderate the panel for the IIDA on Nov. 13 at the ASI Showroom. Featuring Heather Maloney, design director from King + Grove; Sara Duffy, senior interior designer, Stonehill & Taylor; husband and wife duo Bruno Viterbo and Jennifer Mehditash, and Francesca Bucci, Co-Founder and Principal, BG Studio International, these speakers will shed light on a subject that impacts all of us. 

As a prelude to the talk, I want to share some of the top things I’ve learned from Nancy, so we can all benefit from a little mother-daughter advice! 

Hope you join us for the Hospitality Forum event in the NY showroom and visit Architectural Systems at the BDNY show, booth 4563 at the Jacob Javits Center to explore inspiring interior finishes in person!