Arc-Interiors Networking Conference - What’s The Next Green?

Want to network with some of the best architects and interior designers in the nation?  If you answered yes, then Arc-Interiors may be the venue for you.  Some of the top architects and designers from the United States and Canada were at the Marina del Rey Marriott September 23^rd to 26^th attending the Arc-Interiors Networking Conference.

The opening cocktail mixer and dinner were held at Glow, the latest Southern California outdoor lounge.  I was fortunate to be invited by one of our clients, Barbora Hulikova-Eriebach of Quick Drain USA.

Lisa Henry, ASID 2012 National President, gave a very insightful Keynote Address.  She spoke about how the sustainable design field is getting more crowded every day and asked… “What’s the next Green?”

Ms. Henry envisions many people now planning to stay in the workforce well into their 70s.  This, I believe, will be due in part to economic necessity and that we are in much better physical shape at an older age than we use to be.  The statement, “50 is the new 30”, applies more every year.  This, Ms. Henry feels, will prompt new requirements for space planning and ergonomics.

Ms. Henry spoke about several areas of opportunity which I believe echo the concerns and benefits of Universal Design.  Consider the aging population and their inability to down-size or move to a single level house due to economic conditions.  Currently houses, work environments, restaurants, shops, museums, concert halls, hotels & resorts are primarily designed for the young and healthy middle-aged adults.  In time, these areas will need to be modified for accessibility and mobility issues.  Additionally, sensory issues will be a concern such as acoustics, color and lighting will need to be addressed.

According to Ms. Henry, designers can prepare by becoming more knowledgeable about aging, both physiologically and sociologically and developing real solutions to compete with the many off-the-shelf solutions looking to capitalize on this rapidly growing market.

“We have only scaled the tip of the iceberg of sustainability. We have been addressing the symptoms and old bad habits.”, said Ms. Henry.  She spoke about the need for a new model of design based in broader context of sustainability. Clients should consider long-lasting adaptable solutions.

Ms. Henry’s thoughts on Gen X and the Millennials are that they prefer smaller, energy-efficient, low-maintenance residences, with versatile floor plans that are very design-conscious.  They value innovative, well-designed products and they have the potential for becoming lifelong consumers of design.  More of the products created for these two groups will incorporate smart technology.  Linking together, through a single device such as the iPhone, the products they use at home and the office on a daily basis:  computers, climate controls, TV’s, MP3 players, banking, etc.  Consider the recent introduction by Chase which allows you to take a photo of a check and deposit it into your account.

One of the most impactful thoughts Ms. Henry shared was during the closing of her Keynote Address.  She reminded us that the designer should be a steward of the design.  Design should not be considered a “closed loop” or a project. Instead, design should be treated as an open system… an ongoing relationship with a space.

From time to time, we cross paths with someone who makes an impression upon us. If we are fortunate, our minds open to a different way of thinking, a new twist, new insight.  Listening to and meeting Lisa Henry at Arc-Interiors has me looking at the world a little differently now.