Contract - September 2015 - 20

PHOTO: MEG WALTON

EDITORIAL

Applying Vision to Purpose in Design

are within renovated and highly adapted warehouse-like structures-
It's an exciting time for our readers in the commercial design profession.
As my fellow editors and I view recently completed commercial interiors, think postal facilities or manufacturing sheds-that in other cities and
contexts might be marginalized and considered 'background' buildings
we are now more clearly seeing the positive impact of demographic
with no reuse potential. But inventive Southern California designers
shifts with new generations of designers, occupants, and clients, and
and their forward-thinking clients are embracing the possibilities in
an increased desire for design that is more responsive to what the
inhabitants desire. What do you and I want in an office, or in other interior once-forgotten structures. The story has lessons for designers and
real estate professionals across the country.
settings? Commercial design is, indeed, increasingly conscientious
Continuing on the theme of original, contemporary design
while attaining a high level of creativity.
approaches, we are pleased to publish the winners of this year's IIDA
I dare to say that we see a bit more creative freedom evident
Best interiors of Latin America and the Caribbean competition (page 76).
in the work today than ever before. Designers are pursuing work with
Take a close look at the winning projects, and you will see an informal
a personal sense of purpose (see Evelyn Lee's column, page 30).
beauty and a creative vitality in much of the work that may seem unique
Applying vision to purpose, the design profession is stronger and the
to a culture and geographic region. But as we view the design world
industry is healthier.
In this issue, we are presenting a rich mix of content for our readers and our profession more globally, know that there is an impact that
to reflect both the diversity of what is current in the profession and what these distinct interiors have in all aspects of commercial design.
That's why we've devoted 12 pages to the winners and featured one
you are interested in. We are showcasing beautiful retail interiors that
are all elegant, sublime, and global in their appeal. Retail projects include on the cover. Enjoy!
the first Contract features of the work of Daniel Sanderson in London
Enter the Interiors Awards by September 23
(E. Tautz, page 62), Rene Gonzalez in Miami (Alchemist, page 66), as
When you receive this issue, you only have a few days to enter your best
well as Pritzker Prize laureates Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron
recent projects in the 37th Annual Interiors Awards, which honor the
(Miu Miu, page 48). We think you'll learn much from these interiors that
best in commercial interiors from around the world. The final, extended
reflect fashion-forward brand identity.
entry deadline is September 23. Entries, which can be from any location
Knowing that many of our readers are focused on workplace
worldwide, are accepted in 14 professional categories, as well as a
interiors, with an interest in commercial real estate as it impacts our
student category. Winners will be published in our January/February
industry, we have a special feature in this issue. In Los Angeles, we
issue, and honored at the Interiors Awards Breakfast. Visit
are all aware of the relaxed vibe and Southern California culture that
contractdesign.com/interiorsawards to learn more and to enter.
embraces all that is new and cool. How does that manifest in today's
L.A. workplaces? Is it all about new construction and gleaming office
Sincerely,
towers? Well, no, far from it. It's actually about working with the existing
urban infrastructure, and this is where the collective creative energy of
John Czarnecki, Assoc. AIA, Hon. IIDA
new generations of designers, occupants, and clients are flourishing.
Editor in Chief
Contract Managing Editor Murrye Bernard has been based in
Los Angeles for the past year, and she has been busy connecting with
Visit contractdesign.com/editorial to read all of Editor in Chief
leaders in the Southern California architecture and design profession.
John Czarnecki's editorials.
In her story "Recreating L.A." (page 70), Bernard examines how the use
and design of commercial real estate in the city is evolving to reflect the
more casual, less formal workplace. Many of the most innovative offices

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SEPTEMBER 2015

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Contract - September 2015

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