i+D - May/June 2021 - 26

Contributors
Although designers lend their expertise to spatial
planning and an essential understanding of clients'
needs, they also require the right materials-in which
science, technology, and creativity intersect to move
design forward. The authors in this May/June issue of
i+D share such insights gleaned from the topics they
cover, as well as their personal plans and perspectives.
- Linda K. Monroe
1. Danine Alati,
The Architecture of Relationships
While researching her article on Singapore
(p. 18), Danine was encouraged to learn that, for
the sovereign island city-state's environmental
concerns, " health and wellness considerations and
the incorporation of nature and biophilic elements
are very much top of mind for all creatives-from
architects to interior and landscape designers to
artists and industrial designers. " On a personal
level as cities begin to lift their pandemic bans, she
is most looking forward to seeing members of the
design community in person, as well as assessing
products firsthand. " This is a tactile business, "
Danine explains, " and there's nothing quite like
feeling a textile with your own hands, sinking
into a plush lounge chair, or checking out how a
light fixture adds drama to a space. The way we
experience design will, once again, be actually living
it-in person, in real time. "
2. Diana Mosher, The Future of Materials
When Diana first began writing about sustainability,
" there were choices, but the aesthetic side of
sustainable design has come a long way [since then],
because more manufacturers have jumped in so they
can participate in the conversation with designers. "
Not surprisingly, her eco-interest was piqued further
when working on her article about materials
(p. 28), particularly in learning more " about the
many materials now being made from waste, as
well as bio-based solutions. " She says, " This is a
huge field with so many innovators; I can pay better
attention by following experts on ASID's radar. "
Although Diana visited New York City showrooms
and saw industry friends during the pandemic,
she admits, " I have missed NYC showroom CEUs
and networking parties. I can't wait for those
[to resume]. "
3. Anna Zappia, The Many Roads to Sourcing
" I was interested to learn about how during the
pandemic trade show professionals pivoted quickly
to showcasing products via virtual formats, " recalls
Anna, when discussing her article on product
sourcing (p. 34). " They were able to attract wider
audiences; yet, they all mentioned how important
in-person interaction is when designers source
products and, ultimately, to make the sale. " Such
interaction is also important to Anna, specifically
to hear " makers talk about their creative processes
or aspirations. " And in terms of products, she says
fabrics especially speak to her-though she believes
they too often are overlooked as a key element in
contract interiors. " Fabrics bring color and texture
to every room, and the right textile can enhance
a space, " asserts Anna. " The designs have become
much more sophisticated, and I think we'll see the
'resimercial' influence continue. "
4. Ambrose Clancy,
ICONic Profile: Jim Druckman
Ambrose found common ground with this edition's
" ICONic Profile " subject, Jim Druckman of the
New York Design Center (p. 40). " I come from a
family of salesmen, " reveals Ambrose, " and so I
was interested in Jim's take on the profession. Like
the best salesman, he's a storyteller par excellence,
drawing you in, surprising and entertaining you all
at once. " When discussing the interior products he
most appreciates, Ambrose points to lighting: " Too
often we either find ourselves in spaces only bats
would enjoy, or we feel like we're in a blizzard. A
middle ground is best. " Among Ambrose's future
plans include a fall trip to Ireland's Kilkenny
Design Centre. " It's a stunning, beautiful place, as
modern as 10 minutes ago, but set in beautifully
renovated medieval surroundings, a microcosm of
contemporary Ireland, " he explains.
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(Image 1: Juan Parra/
Image 2: Rashidah De Vore/
Image 3: Anna Zappia/
Image 4: Kirk Condyles/
Image 5: Kelley Klein)
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5. Jessica Goldbogen Harlan, Shining a Light
" Product designers can really push the envelope
on lighting design, " Jessica says about the advanced
lighting technologies she uncovered for the
" Material Matters " article (p. 42). " What's more,
I loved learning about the effect of lighting on our
mood, demeanor, and even our appearance. Plus,
I'm grateful to one of my sources who taught me
about the 'Night Shift' mode on my iPhone that
increases the warmth of my display at night and is
designed to improve sleep quality for those of us
who are late-night Insta scrollers! " With respect to
lockdown and reopening, Jessica says she's been
impressed by how designers found sources other
than their normal inspirations. " Usually, they're
able to travel and tour, attend fashion shows and
industry events. When you're stuck at home, these
sources of inspiration could dry up. " Fortunately,
she adds, inspiration remains.
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i+D - May/June 2021
i+D - May/June 2021

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