DDi - April/May 2010 - (Page 10)

10 | Newsworthy | Headlining Pro bono retail design on the rise Left: CU Interiors does pro bono work for non-profits, such as this Dress for Success boutique and career center. Below: Triad Mfg. donated its time and services to create this cashwrap for Society of St. Vincent De Paul of St. Louis. C hristmas isn’t the only time reserved for giving. In fact, it’s happening all year long, thanks to the generosity of designers and architects providing consultations, fixtures and complete design services to nonprofits and small retail businesses in need. Cynthia Urbank, owner and lead designer of Charlotte, N.C.-based CU Interiors, makes pro bono work a priority each year, donating approximately 5 percent of her time. “I see pro bono work as a way for my company to use our skills as designers to better the lives of those around us,” she says. “It’s also a great way to become part of the core of our community.” Typically, CU Interiors is approached by nonprofits in need of pro bono design work, but they’ll also use TheOnePercent.org, a Web site that pairs designers and architects with charity organizations. Recently, CU Interiors did a complete design project for the Charlotte, N.C.-based Dress for Success, taking a 5,000-sq.-ft warehouse and transforming it into a boutique and career center. St. Louis-based Triad Mfg. also makes time for non-profits and struggling small retailers by handling three to four pro bono projects per year. “It allows us to give back to certain parties, businesses and retailers, and share our successful experiences,” says Greg Gorman, vice president of new business development and design at Triad. “Helping others—and, in our case, nonprofit organizations—is a give back to the community as well. When Triad is done designing and assisting with resourcing and project management, we know that based on our support, the retailers we touch will achieve better sales, have a better image and attract customers.” As a general rule, Triad donates its time and services to non-profits, including used and damaged fixtures. Recently, the company developed the main cashwrap service counter for the Society of St. Vincent De Paul of St. Louis. In addition, Gorman regularly provides free one-hour consultations to a variety of small retailers. “I simply pay it forward,” he says. “I have been doing this for many years.” Photo: Courtesy of Triad Mfg. Jerry Birnbach, partner with New York-based RDD Associates, has been in the retail design industry since 1970, and says he thoroughly enjoys being able to offer pro bono consultation services to small retailers. “It’s not about the money,” he emphasizes. “If you walked down the street and saw someone get hit by a car, you’d stop. I’ve received a lot of wisdom from my teachers over the years, and I want to pass that along. It’s good for the soul.” —HEATHER STRANG | April/May 2010 Photo: Joel Lassiter/Wonderful Machine http://www.TheOnePercent.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of DDi - April/May 2010

DDi - April/May 2010
Contents
From the Editor
Newsworthy
Consumer Insights
Greentailing
Editor’s Choice
Design Snapshot
Channel Focus: Department Stores
Sporting Authority
Lighting Super Section
Lighting the Way
Viva Mexicano
Right Light
Product Spotlight
GlobalShop Show Coverage
Calendar
Advertisers
Classifieds
Think Tank

DDi - April/May 2010

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