Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

I recently attended the Leap Year birthday party of my great-niece. As I took in all the details of her frog-themed party with all of its adorable, mom-crafted decorations I couldnt help but feel a little surge of pride in my nephew.

I watched as he patiently (and repeatedly) saved his 2-year-old daughter from tipping over her chair, dispensed swamp water (green punch) to the guests and wheeled out the birthday girls crowning gift: a tiny bicycle with a booster seat in the back for Kenzies dolls.

I also marveled over how overwhelmingly feminine his household is, with a wife and two girly daughters. Even the family dog is dainty a tiny, white dog with ribbons in her soft, floppy ears.

I know he loves his family and home more than life itself, but I also wondered if he ever felt outnumbered. After all, this is a guy who loves John Deere, fixing engines and buying anything with wheels, yet his life is spent perching at tiny tables and drinking Lilliputian cups of tea, watching Frozen repeatedly and helping daughters put plastic high heels on their Minnie Mouse dolls.

Maybe thats why he also occasionally bought Tonka earth-moving equipment for his daughters. Or looked so proud when Kenzie corrected her grandma by telling her this new toy was a backhoe, not a tractor.

Such is life for fathers with daughters. Even the most macho of men will soon find himself awash in a sea of estrogen.

I wondered if he ever asked for pointers from my dad, who not only had four daughters, but was raised in a household with three sisters. Just in case he hasnt, it seems like a good time to warn him of what lies ahead. As a daughter, sister, aunt and great-aunt, I feel fully qualified to share what Ive observed.

ARCHIVE: Read more of Tammy Swift's columns

Readers can reach columnist Tammy Swift at tswiftsletten@gmail.com.

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Swift: The things that dads with daughters know - Brainerd Dispatch

When the 12 China-based employees of private-label sock manufacturer PAC-MFG return to their office on Monday after a two-week quarantine of the city of Haining, things will be a little different. Buses and trains are hot spots for transmission of the coronavirus, sothe company has conscripted its in-house driver to pick up car-less workers and ferry staff around the city for quality-control inspections. PAC-MFG also will hand out ear thermometers and require employees toreport their temperatures through a new company social media group. Even the bathroom has changed.Most sinks in China dispense only cold water.PAC-MFG just installed a water heater to amp up the disinfectant power of hand washing.

The coronavirus, which is pummeling stock markets and kinking supply chains worldwide, is particularly dangerous for small-to-midsize businesses, which tend to operate on shorter lead times and have all their manufacturing eggs in the China basket, says Hitendra Chaturvedi, a professor of supply chain management at Arizona State University. "I believe if the coronavirus impact goes beyond March, many SMEs will have to shut shop," Chaturvedi says. Even small companies without direct exposure to Asia are threatened as the epidemic rushes west and the potential for employees to get sick increases.So now smart small-and-midsize-company leaders are trying to mitigate the coronavirus risk with a variety of tactics, such as conserving working capital, crafting work-at-home policies, and communicating frequently with vendors and customers.

Some businesses have designated point people--coronavirus czars, in effect--to oversee their efforts. At PAC-MFG, which in addition to its China workforce employs six people at its San Diego headquarters, that person is the assistant to CEO and founder Harold Robison. The CEO's assistant "is looking at anything we can do to reduce exposure that doesn't affect mission-critical work--even if there is a little extra cost," says Robison, who anticipates the epidemic will ding 2020 revenues by about 15 percent. "We are expecting to overreact the first month."

Director of technology Ryan Dolley acts as coronavirus specialist at PMsquare, a 33-employee data and analytics company in Oak Brook, Illinois. Dolley posts updates about the virus's spread on Slack; another employee created a dashboard there tracking such data as rates of infection and mortality, to keep staffers informed.

On Dolley's recommendation, the leadership team recently drew up a list of infectious disease outbreak policies, such as the temperature above which employees must stay home (100.4 degrees) and what to do if someone falls ill while traveling. The team also created an additional benefit allowing for sick days that don't count as paid time off. Employees are required to check off every item on the list to indicate they've reviewed it. "We used CDC's guidelines and customized them for our business," says Dustin Adkison, PMsquare's managing partner. "We've also bought hand sanitizers for the whole office and asked the cleaning crew to begin doing surface area sanitation instead of just wiping things down."

Of course many companies already have work-from-home policies. But those aren't helpful when staffers are too groggy to peck at a laptop. MBX Systems, a 180-employee company in Libertyville, Illinois, which makes hardware for applications ranging from flight simulation to surveillance, got a taste of that months ago during a two-week period when15 engineers succumbed to the flu. Fortunatelythe company has a well-thought-out contingency plan that chief strategy officer Justin Formella says should protect it if the coronavirus breaches its walls.

Leaders at MBX have assessed the minimum staffing levels required for each department and identified employees who have been cross-trained to fill in for those functions.The company also determines what work will be eliminated or deferred if staffing levels drop. "You might decide to cut new initiatives and go into a sustaining posture," Formella says. "It should be automatic that if today we only have five people instead of 10, everyone knows that these are the things we will focus on."

Maintaining supply

Supply chains, which take time to diversify, present a more daunting problem.MBX sources raw materials and components from many vulnerable countries in Asia. Starting in mid-January, the company began rapidlybuilding up inventory and working with customers to do the same,urging them to forecast out to the second quarter and beyond. MBX has also been firm with suppliers about reserving its spot in line to buy new inventory as it is produced. "We have to do this in advance of the shortages, which at this point are anywhere between now and four weeks away," Formella says.

A 25-year-old, $100 million company like MBX has sufficient sway with suppliers to get much of what it needs. A fragile startup with no employees does not. Mike Bradford, founder of Atlanta-based Wonderflle has been producing irons customized to make stuffed waffles out of two factories near Shanghai for less than a year, and selling out each run. He was waiting until March to place his next order and now is not sure whether the manufacturers will accommodate his scant volume.

Bradfordsays he will consider moving operationsshould problems spill into the summer. Fortunately hearranged Chinese production through a contract manufacturing service that has partnerships in India and other countries. That should make any transition easier. "If it looks like there will be significant delays, they will help me as far as moving materials to another location," Bradford says. "But I have spent a year learning how things work in China, and in India I would have to rebuild."

Jennifer Randklev can't afford to wait and see what happens. Randklev is CEO of the second-generation family business Penguin Patch Holiday Shop, a Fort Worth, Texas, company with revenue under $10 million that provides materials for gift-selling events at schools. With 100 percent of revenue dependent on a few weeks in December and 100 percentof products coming from China, the business has no margin for error. Randklev had planned to visit China in February to finalize packaging and approve production samples at many of the 15 factories in Ningbo where she manufactures. But the factories told her not to come. Things were bad.

Production in China typically takes 60 days for a company like Penguin. Randklev anticipates that stretching to 90 days or longer. Worried about future delays and complications, she decided to move her entire production process up six weeks. "I have dropped all other aspects of my business just to work on placing my orders with China" as soon as possible, she says. Those orders are basedin parton Penguin's existing inventory, comprising thousands of items not sold in its holiday shops last year. Normally employees have until the end of March to conduct a count of all those products, but this yearRandklev had to hireadditional workers to get it done faster. With staffing agency fees, the 10 or so extra hands cost her at least $50,000. But they finished the inventory early this week, increasing the odds she'll get the shipments in time for holiday customers.

Keeping customers informed

Anticipating shortages forCool Beauty Consulting, a 22-employee supplier and consultant serving salons and barbershops, founder Bennie Pollard hasbeenpadding his usual 45-day inventory of hair colors, shampoos, and shears to 60 days. His other Louisville, Kentucky-based business,Nova Salons,facesa different problem. "Hairdressing is a very intimate and touchy industry," Pollard says. "So you have to let the customer base know you are very much involved in increased sanitation."

To do that, last Thursday Nova emailed several thousand customers talking up his two salons' existing cleanliness practices, which are being reinforced with beefed-up training, and enhancements like additional hand-sanitation stations. The note includes a list of personal best practices ("Don't share food or drinks. Cough and or sneeze into your elbow") and also politely asks anyone who feels ill to reschedule their appointments, to "protect our staff and all our lovely clients."

"Service businesses already do some preventative measures around things like cleanliness well," Pollard says. "So there is a slight marketing benefit to reminding customers: We care."

Published on: Mar 2, 2020

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The Coronavirus Could Be Devastating to Small Businesses. Here's How Some Companies Are Fighting Back - Inc.com

There's energy efficiency innovation going on right here in Milwaukee. Some of the innovators got to meet potential investors last night. WUWM's Chuck Quirmbach reports.

Some entrepreneurs see profits in renewable energy and energy efficiency products. But early-stage companies often need money to keep innovating. An annual competition held in Milwaukee Tuesday night gave seven firms a chance to show off what they do and meet more potential investors.

The event took place at the Midwest Energy Research Consortium (M-WERC), which is a collaboration of several Wisconsin universities andcompanies. It aims to make the Midwest the leader in energy and the controls needed to use the power more efficiently.

Part of M-WERC's mission is talent development, through its WERCBench Labs Accelerator program that offers young energy firms advice, and lab and testing space. Seven entrepreneurs gave presentations at M-WERC's offices on N. 27th Street on Tuesday.

Joe Bonniwell is of the firm CLOCworks. He touted his company's software, which he says can help businesses optimize energy efficiency.

"An example of a pattern our system might find would be how much energy a site's heating and cooling system would use to keep the indoor temperature of a building at a certain level, given a particular outdoor temperature, Bonniwell said.

Ashray Manur is with Elektrifi Technologies. He promoted his company's small-scale microgrids. Microgridsare electricity networks that serve just a few users and are often powered by renewable energy.

"In the event of an extended blackout, families should be able to produce their own energy," Manur said.

Killian Tobin says his firm, Omega Grid, has software that will help citizens and businesses use less electricity when prices are high and more when prices are low.

"Our system we're working with will work with anything from a campus, all the way down to a smart switch, Tobin said.

A smart switch is a light switch with added features that help automate a home.

Elad Wallach is with the company Steam Energy Labs, which has created a thermostat for electric residential water heaters. He says that can reduce electricity use from power plants.

"Your water heater can help get rid of fossil sources by simply heating water in a smarter way, Wallach said.

But all four of those firms came up short of prizes in the M-WERC competition.

Third place went to Accelerate Wind. Founder Erika Boeing says her company is developing affordable wind turbines for commercial building rooftops.

We've found that wind has the potential to add 30% additional energy generation on top of solar capacity when installed alongside solar," Boeing said.

The second-place finisher was Mesodyne. CEO Veronika Stelmakh says they are making hand-sized generators that can give more power to items like drones.

"Everything is changing thanks to drones, but drones are limited in their flight time," Stelmakh explained.

A panel of judges gave first place to the Milwaukee firm Agricycle, formerly called Blue Mangoes. The company's Claire Friona says they make a dehydrator that reduces food waste.

Our dehydrator is special because they work entirely off the sun, with no electricity involved," Friona said.

All the companies showcased at M-WERC have something in common: they're seeking more investors. But M-WERC CEO Alan Perlstine says almost all of the firms taking part in the five years of WERCBench Labs are still open.

"Win lose or draw, leveraging multiple early-stage startups is one way to rapidly jumpstart and leverage science and technology," Perlstine said, adding that some of these companies may be game-changers.

That's in a world many scientists say needs to become greener,or face more challenges brought by climate change.

Support for Innovation reporting is provided by Dr. Lawrence and Mrs. Hannah Goodman.

Do you have a question about innovation in Wisconsin that you'd like WUWM's Chuck Quirmbach to explore? Submit it below.

_

Original post:
Innovative Companies Offer Energy-Saving Products At Milwaukee Competition - WUWM

This contemporary Villa sits on a zero-lot-line in the sought-after gated Silverado Highlands Community. From the aesthetically pleasing modern white kitchen with new quartz counters, new Wolf gas cooktop, built-in refrigerator, and walk-in pantry to a bright spacious living area with built-in desk, cabinets and fireplace, there is plenty of room to enjoy this special haven. Recent updates include freshly painted interior and exterior, new front porch tile, new exterior lights, new glass in all windows for picturesque views, a new sliding door for easy access to the sizable tiled deck, gas BBQ hookup, and panoramic views. A generously sized master suite on the main level includes a fireplace, two vanities with marble counters, a walk-in shower, jetted tub, and walk-in closet. The downstairs offers a private setting, perfect for visiting houseguests, complete with bedrooms and a bath, along with a spacious room suitable as a family room, fitness room, hobby, or wine storage room.

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39 Homes Recently Listed in the Napa Valley | Home and Garden - Napa Valley Register

Wow! Home is situated on double lot overlooking golf course & pond in desirable Aberdeen neighborhood in the gated section. 6-beds, 5-baths and has a 3.5 car garage w/ extra loft storage in garage. Covered porch w/ outdoor kitchen, screened in porch w/ wood burning fireplace, walk-out lower level leads to fire pit w/stream. Walk through the door & you will be in awe of the open-concept great room w/steel/stone fireplace, cathedral ceiling w/beams, wet-bar, & wood floors throughout that opens to the dining & kitchen features wood ceiling, professional appliances, island, granite, walk-in pantry, stone, & barrel brick ceiling. Main level also has finished laundry room, office, main guest/bath. Master suite feat. sitting area, huge walk in closet, en suite bath w/ sauna, whirlpool tub, & walk-in shower. Walk out basement w/12-14ft ceilings, great rm, game rm, grand bar, exercise rm, wine cellar. 3 bedrooms upstairs. Home equipped w/ sprinklers, smart tech, and much more!

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24 of the Most Expensive Homes for Sale in Northwest Indiana - nwitimes.com

Landscape architects are finding themselves on the front lines of the climate change crisis, having to come up with creative ways to adapt and help mitigate problems like rising oceans and extreme weather as they design projects across the country.

"The focus on sustainability has been building slowly for a long time among landscape architects, but in recent years that commitment has really taken hold," says Jacquelyn Bianchini, a spokeswoman at the Washington, D.C.--based American Society of Landscape Architects.

Landscape architect Kate Orff heads the firm Scape, known for ecologically driven projects around the country.

"Our profession has been working hand in hand with the carbon-driven world since the field's inception. We've been living in this world where we're creating beautiful gardens in the foreground while the planet is collapsing in the background," she says.

"My goal is to flip that relationship around so the focus is on ecological systems, and we then link what we do with policy ideas, and infrastructure to that reality," says Orff, who recently became the first landscape architect awarded a MacArthur "genius" Fellowship.

She is the lead designer of a $60 million barrier reef and shoreline restoration project off Staten Island, New York, called Living Breakwaters. It incorporates oyster reefs, wetlands and strands to reduce the effects of storm surges. In Atlanta, it is developing a 100-mile trail linking communities along a vast distance to encourage mobility, equity and sustainability.

While landscape architects often focus on large, community projects, they say consideration of the environment also needs to take place at home, when people are designing their own gardens.

"Even though gardening is listed in the top five hobbies of Americans, somehow we've not translated that into care for our environment. We need to try to somehow do a better job of bridging the divide between personal gardens and the larger global situation. It's all connected," says Orff.

Todd Forrest, vice president for horticulture and living collections at the New York Botanical Garden, concurs.

"People who are creating home gardens, or people like me who manage gardens for the public, deal with the reality of climate every day and always have. A gardener is the first person and the last person you should talk with about climate change, and we deal with issues of plant adaptability in everything we do," he says.

To be a good environmental citizen, he says, you need ``to learn and to pay close attention, to adapt and at the same time be a part of the effort to reduce carbon emissions."

Excerpt from:
Landscape architects shift emphasis to the ecosystem - The Times Telegram

Architectural Thinking of Grafton Architects, The Pritzker 2020 Laureates

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Yesterday Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara, co-founders of Grafton Architects, received the 2020 Pritzker Prize. The first women to be jointly recognized for the award also received the Royal Gold Medal 2020 from RIBA earlier this year.

On this last occasion, they gave a lecture about some of their projects and the way they think about the architectural field, crossing other disciplines such as music, psychology, and poetry, which lead to the design thinking of their practice. Here, we highlight some important inspirational quotes from this talk which help us to reflect on the role of architects and urban planners in contemporary society.

"(...) We want to describe imagination as the central strength of architecture. The responsibility is the ethical anchor of this amazing profession. Social responsibility, the impact of what we do, how we participate, how we collude, how we make the questions, really arise of what extra ingredient can we imagine that functions, that enrich the lives of others, that helps the earth retain its beauty". (41:01)

"At this time of climate change, a time to care deeply about our world, that we repair the broken, that we reuse where possible, that we become hyperconscious, conscious of our use of materials that everything we build matters". (43:03)

"Our conviction that architecture is now the new geography developed through a body of work and reflection and what is happening in the world around us as more and more of the natural world disappears, what we do as architects actually makes the world we live in at a scale where it's possible to consider it as geography, not as individual objects. Whether beautiful or not but by the sheer amount of building architecture now is at the scale of the Earth's geography. It is a modified earth". (58:32)

"One of the components in our own search for ways of making work is a discussion about fragments in the sense that architecture is the framework for life and in order for us to make new frameworks, we have to find ways of translating the sensory experience of life into architecture and that series of sensory experiences are built through fragments over time. But we're also interested in it as an idea about history because it's something that we talk about a lot in our work that history is not linear, it's not time, and certainly not in architecture. And the older we get the more we reach back into time and there's something very important about that and it's also that we don't see the difference between the past and the future. Jung has a beautiful term where he talks about the unconscious psyche and that it's not only immensely old that it's capable of growing into an equally remote future. So that's one of the kind of wonderful phenomena of architecture: this thing of time, past, present and future". (1:15:53)

"Edith Sitwell says a wonderful thing about poetry - she says that 'risen is one of the principal translators between dream and reality in poetry' - and these kinds of comments really inform and encourage and inspire us in the making of Architecture, that other disciplines have these same words and structures and, I suppose, struggles in terms of whether it's poetry or music that architects have. And we were manipulating let's call it the notes or the order the rhythm to make each wall different - not for his own sake but simply that we could take a language of repetition but not make sameness".(1:26:08)

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Architectural Thinking of Grafton Architects, The Pritzker 2020 Laureates - ArchDaily

The architectural world lost a giant this week when Henry Cobb passed away at 93 on Monday. Cobb was a Boston native who, after attending the Harvard Graduate School of Design, left for New York. From there he joined I.M. Pei, who died in 2019, to form the firm Pei Cobb Freed & Partners. Together they had great influence in shaping the city's skyline. Natasha Espada, the chapter president of the 2020 Boston Society of Architects, spoke with WGBH Morning Edition host Joe Mathieu to discuss Cobb's life work. This transcript has been edited for clarity.

Natasha Espada: He was very important in shaping not only our skyline, but our waterfront. And he was an amazing architect and he was an amazing person. For many years, he taught at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and was the chair from '80 to '85. So although he actually left Boston, he was very ingrained in our city.

Joe Mathieu: The story behind his most famous building in Boston must be the John Hancock Tower. It's a pretty interesting one. Can you explain how we got to this large mirror we have in the middle of the city now?

Espada: So in the 1970s, the mirrored facade was initially controversial, not only because it was a modern building, but because it was built next to Trinity Church, which is one of the most beloved buildings in Boston. But he wanted it to be kind of a silent building, designed to respond specifically to Copley Square. And and he wanted the mirrored panels to reflect the church and the city on its facade.

So the building was very innovative for its time. But it also, interestingly enough, had a really difficult construction period. Some of the glass started popping out of the building. The windows were falling out. And eventually they discovered that it was not the design, that it was actually that the fabrication of it. And basically all of them had to be all 10,000 of them, or more had to be replaced. The building was eventually completed and won numerous awards, including an award from the American Institute of Architects, but also the Harlston Parker Medal from the Boston Society of Architects, which is for the most beautiful building in Boston.

Mathieu: So the concept for the mirror essentially is to reflect what was around the building instead of creating a new form in the middle of this old architecture.

Espada: That's correct.

Mathieu: He was tasked with designing the Moakley Federal Courthouse, which sits on the waterfront, as you mentioned. And he took up his job before the Seaport was built, sort of a cornerstone for what is our newest neighborhood.

Espada: Yes. An important part of my life was actually visiting that building during construction. I worked for a firm that did a lot of courthouses. And he actually gave us a tour and showed us one of the courtrooms, a mock-up for one of the courtrooms, and took us throughout the building. And it was pretty remarkable. It was the only building in that entire area, and created kind of a context for what now is the Seaport.

Mathieu: I mentioned One Dalton. I've been to dinner there. There's a Four Seasons in there. You can't miss it. This is a massive tower that's right there in the Back Bay. A pretty impressive achievement for someone in the twilight of their career. When did he start working on it?

Espada: I believe he started working on it when he was in his 80s. He was so interested in our city. And that's actually one of the things that I'm doing in my presidency also working with Boston as a design city and making sure that we, he was really interested in equity and bringing all of these collaboration and communities into all of the buildings and into all the areas that he worked in. And one of the things that we're doing is trying to get into all of the neighborhoods in Boston in a really equitable way.

Mathieu: That's great. How is Boston doing as a major American city, as a major city in the world in terms of architecture? We're kind of known, or at least we used to be, as a boring-looking place.

Espada: Well, that is something that Harry Cobb actually did, is to try to merge history, growth of the city and modernism. And we live in a city, one of the most beautiful cities in the United States, and it is very important city. There's a lot of development going on in the city. It's a very exciting time for the city. And we're really trying to shape the city and in an equitable way that also deals with climate change and social equity and many other pieces that Henry really started putting into place many, many years ago.

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Henry Cobb, The Architect Who Helped Shape Boston's Skyline, Dies At 93 - wgbh.org

From significant business changes to noteworthy product launches, theres always something new happening in the world of design. In this weekly roundup, AD PRO has everything you need to know.

Brooklinen Raises $50 Million

Big news for the bedding industry: Brooklinen announced this week that it has raised $50 million from Summit Partners, according to the Wall Street Journal. Founded six years ago by husband-and-wife team Rich and Vicki Fulop, the brand has become synonymous with direct-to-consumer companies that are focused on reaching millennials. So whats on the horizon for Brooklinen now in terms of growth? Thirty new stores that are set to open in the next three yearsand, perhaps, more of those ubiquitous subway ads.

Wayfair Lost Almost $1 Billion Last Year

The news coming out of Wayfair still isnt good. This week, MarketWatch and others reported that Wayfair lost $330.2 in Q4 of 2019. That means that its total loss for the year was a whopping $985 million. Unsurprising, the news subsequently caused the furniture companys stock to plummet.

More Than 200 Architects Urge Congress to Act

Why did hundreds of architects take action this week? They want national legislators to add the AIM Act, which would help transition away from the use of harmful hydrofluorocarbon chemicals to the energy package thats currently making its way through the Senate. According to various signatories, the move could have a positive environmental impact while helping the economy. And whats more, numerous contractors and engineers are also on board.

British Brands Unify Under Zoffany Name

Six British brandsincluding Morris & Co, founded in 1861 by Arts and Crafts legend William Morris; Sanderson; Harlequin; Scion; Anthology; and hallmark brand Zoffanyare now all available under one proverbial digital roof. Earlier this week, Zoffany announced in an email that its website, StyleLibrary.com, will offer all of the brands, with products spanning fabric, wallpaper, paint, home goods, and more. The brands can also be found on Instagram at the new @zoffanyusa account.

Story continues

One of Minnas new rugs.

Rebecca Atwood to Release a Collection for Pottery Barn

Partnershipsespecially for a small brand like ourscreate such a great opportunity to reach a wider audience at a much more accessible price point, Rebecca Atwood tells AD PRO. Its fitting timing for her to reflect on the subject, as her debut Pottery Barn collection comes out later this year. At its core, my business is focused on trade and interior designers, so to be able to create a collection with Pottery Barn, a brand Ive long admired, is truly exciting, she adds. Atwood notes too that shes drawn to how Pottery Barn has historically created products that are both aspirational and approachable. As for the specific design inspiration behind the new line, expect Atwoods characteristic textiles that recall warm weather and happy days spent on vacation.

Farrow & Ball Releases New Exterior Paint Colors

Searching for a chic new exterior paint color with a dose of fun? Then look no further than Farrow & Ball, who likely has just what youre looking for thanks to its newly available Color by Nature collection and correlating contest. We are so excited to offer families the chance to create their very own Farrow & Ball paint color inspired by nature, Charlotte Cosby, head of creative at Farrow & Ball, tells AD PRO. We had such fun developing the Color by Nature collection with the Natural History Museum in London, and want to give others that same delight of finding a color in nature and bringing it to life.

A pink colorway of Alice Sergeant's new fabric.

Soft Goods Companies Inch Toward Spring

Another week, another batch of product launches. Out from Minna is a spring collection of pillows, baskets, rugs, and moreavailable in neutral and sunset tones. In the textiles universe, Alice Sergeants beautiful new floral Habibi pattern is officially here, as is The Vales latest collection, and performance vegan leather company Ultrafabricss Ultraleather Reef Pro. The fabric, strikingly, is ink- and stain-resistant, with a highly wipeable surface. Last but certainly not least, fabrics of a more fashionable sort have been reinterpreted by Rosenthal. The German porcelain manufacturer is out with its latest Versace collection, but this time around that iconic J.Lo jungle-print dress is the focus.

A new Versace plate for Rosenthal.

Patterns of India Provides Inspiration

Searching for new global inspiration for your creative work without having to travel? Then look no further than Patterns of India, out this week from Clarkson Potter. Rajasthan, the Indian state known for its royalty and opulence, provides endless inspiration in the form of architecture, surface design, artistry, and textiles, author Christine Chitnis tells AD PRO. In my book, I highlight Rajasthans dominant colorssandstone, marigold, rose, ivory and royal blueand the stories they tell by focusing on famous landmarks, as well as the simple beauty of daily life.

Patterns of India.

Kasmin Dreams of California

Open this week, Kasmins latest show, Valley of Gold: Southern California and the Phantasmagoric, examines Southern California art through the lens of European surrealists and more. Aesthetes will note the depictions of Hollywood interiors by Man Ray, who photographed cavernous yet eerie residences, and ceramics by Beatrice Wood, an avant-garde potter who was close with Marcel Duchamp. The exhibition also includes works by John Baldassari, Ed Ruscha, Marjorie Cameron, and other greats, and is on view until April 22.

A Historic Parisian Brasserie and Music Hall Gets a Nouveau Look

Seems like Paris is full of new restaurantsand historic ones with updated looks. Case in point, the recently reopened Boeuf sur la Toit, which is just two years shy of being 100 years old. Well known as the hangout for artists, poets, and performers throughout the 1920s and 1930s, it hosted the likes of Picasso, Cocteau, Dior, and Coco Chanel. Respectful of its origins as a traditional Parisian brasserie and music hall, the multidisciplinary designer Alexis Mabille has updated the two floors with exclusive textiles and furnishings, referencing everyone from Jean-Michel Frank to Josef Hoffmann. The results are graphic, colorful, and residential in feel.

Microsoft and a Fashion Designer Partner to Create a Digital AI-Powered Quilt Archive

Sick of reading about coronaviruss spread and the Super Tuesday election results? Vogue Runways Brooke Bobb reported on news this week that should warm the heart of any design enthusiast. Fashion designer Emily Adams Bode, founder of her namesake brand and no stranger to home decor products herself, has partnered with Microsoft to create a digital quilt archive. Known as the Bode Vault and run with AI technology, the program will include much more than Bodes own pieces. So read up and enjoy.

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest

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Brooklinen Raises $50 Million, Architects Make Plea to Congress, and More News This Week - Yahoo News

Pontiac has taken its first steps to repairing the Phoenix Center amphitheater and parking garage.

City council approved this week a $659,000 contract with Troy-based Integrated Design Solutions for architect and engineering services to bring the center up to code. The contract was originally presented in early January, but concerns over cost and funding sources delayed its approval.

The city of Pontiac has begun devising a business plan in hopes of making the Phoenix Center parking garage profitable.

The city has until Nov. 1 to repair the Phoenix Centers lighting, elevators and other structural improvements. Estimates from Auch Construction, general contractor for the project, and the city place the total cost of repairs between $13 million and $16.5 million.

In November 2018, the city signed on to a settlement agreement with the owners of the Ottawa Towers, which are connected to the Phoenix Center garage. That agreement ended a six-year legal battle between the city and the towers owners which originally began with the potential demolition of the Phoenix Center. It also gave the city two years to bring the building into compliance.

Pontiac City Council is currently considering a $659,000 contract for architect and engineering services to repair the Phoenix Center amphithe

The design phase for how the center will be brought back up to code will take about three months, according to a timeline provided by the city. Originally, that work was supposed to take place last fall. Construction was slated to begin in February.

Pontiac City Council is currently exploring options for how to pay for the centers improvements, including funding the project from the citys general fund. The mayors office has proposed passing bonds for the project. An RFP process this winter for a public private partnership yielded no qualified results' ' according to the city.

Pontiacs Phoenix Center has become a massive concrete metaphor for what the city has experienced since the 2008 recession losing nearly eve

Pontiac currently has a $19.5 million fund balance. Council President Kermit Williams requested this week that the finance department bring estimates for the projected end of the year balance to council next week as discussion on how to pay for the Phoenix Center continues.

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Revitalization of Pontiac's Phoenix Center moves forward with architects, engineers hired - The Oakland Press