Artist' lofts tour - WT2

If you are anything like me, the thought of being able to snoop - I mean tour - the Fort Point Channel lofts - speaks to the inner artist in all of us. I'm sure at one point, everyone wished they could live in a loft right? Is that just me? I doubt I'll be the only one taking this tour. See you there.

Small practice networking breakfast - W03 (Wednesday, 8:30am - 10)

Anytime I can start my day participating in a game show, as this workshop claims - I'm in! I know from having spoken with people who have taken part in this session in years past, that it is fun and it fills up quickly, so if you have any interest in networking - don't hesitate.

System 7 - booth #525

See this? This, my friends, is Command Central! The folks at System 7 call themselves 'technology architects'. To me, this little gadget seems like an iPod for your home. It runs everything - really!

The only challenge I see is that it may lay to rest the time-honored fight for the remote control.

The Classic Group - booth #565

I'm not even sure what to say. Wow seems so trite, doesn't it? I drive past a house designed by The Classic Group everyday while driving my boys to school, and I still gaze at it longingly. I don't think this kitchen is in that particular house, but I doubt I'd ever get tired of looking at this either. Wow.

A lovely diversion...Artisan Area

The Boston surface designer Marilyn MacLeod told me once that "creativity is like exploration." She further explained that it's diversions that often lead to the most exciting discoveries.

Looking at this hand-done ostrich finish (and the beautiful sconce), I'd say this was quite the exploration - hopefully between the homeowner, interior designer and Marilyn. A worthwhile diversion for any design team.

Splash - booth #740

Hey...wait just a minute. Who is in the fishbowl here? Why is that little tiny fishbowl perched precariously on top of that small table in this photo? Does that fish have bowl-envy? And am I the only one who thinks those hand-held bathtub sprayers look like old telephones? Hello - hello - can anyone hear me or is my voice garbled by the bubbles rising up to meet my chin? Okay, sorry - that was a little bathtub fantasy gone awry.

Splash has so many amazing products that they can fulfill any bath fantasy you might have. Hopefully they don't involve fish!

And now for something completely different! Artisan Area...

Since the late 1970s, Jay Stanger has been creating functional artwork. Both in his furniture design and architectural sculpture, Stanger's work has broken the barriers between fine art and craft. The result is a unique synthesis of geometry, movement, color and emotion. All I can say is that this piece tells only a small part of his story. You must stop by and see his doors, stair railings, beds, and anything he has photographed to show you. You will not be disappointed. Trust me on this.

SGO Designer Glass - booth #364

Architectural decorative glass, like so many parts of the design process, might be something that you don't spend a lot of time thinking about until you need it. I have a feeling that the company SGO Designer Glass does nothing BUT think about it - which is why they provide some of the most interesting glass products for both residential and commercial projects.

Faux? Real? You decide...decorative accessories are NOT what they used to be....

You cannot tell me that this beautiful succulent arrangement is not amazing! Plus, the palm pod is reclaimed making it really 'green'. Lee McCloskey, designer and owner of New England Silks, will give a demonstration showing how arrangements are no longer just flowers but combinations of shapes and textures that create interest. She will also give you plenty of ideas about using accessories more creatively to change the focal point of any room.

Getting the best architectural and interior photography - T88 (Thursday, 6:00 - 7:00pm)

Trust me on this one - I have seen WAY too many bad photos. And they end up on your website - and that's just wrong! You know the expression; you only have one chance to make a first impression. So true, so true. And no, I'm not getting a kick-back from any photographers for saying this. I have seen the dark side, and believe me - it's blurry, and it has electrical wires and messy bedside tables showing.

Helping hands: involving clients in the design process - T68 (Thursday 3:30 - 5:00pm)

I love the idea behind this workshop. As the industry becomes more transparent, isn't it time to embrace the reality that while the homeowner may not be trained as an architect, designer or builder, they have access to all manner of products and ideas and specs. So why not help them help themselves? Don't be afraid of your clients input!

Historic renovations/restorations -- use it or lose it - T46 (Thursday, 1:00 - 2:30)

Oh definitely use it....no wait...lose it....no wait...aww heck, can I buy a vowel?

This workshop might end up being so much fun that the panelists have to take it on the road. You will not find a livelier group with as much combined knowledge of historic renovations then this crew. And given the love/hate relationship that many of us have for our "beloved old" homes, you might want to listen in before you start up the old sawzall.

Water conservation and custom showering (T22 – Thursday, 10:00 am – noon)

I know what you’re thinking – custom showering? What does that even mean? Well….if there is any company that knows about water, showers, and what could possibly make this experience ‘custom’ – it’s Kohler. Come and listen and see how offering your client something custom doesn’t mean that you have to waste water to do it.

Business comes to the expert - T23 (Thursday 10:00am - noon)

Why is marketing so misunderstood? Do people really think that if they build a better mousetrap the world will beat a path to their door? Not likely. Not without a marketing plan, my friend. I don't think there's a firm out there; big or small, who wouldn't benefit from having a concise marketing plan. This workshop will cover important concepts such as setting deadlines, creating agendas and using knowledge that is readily available.

Sounds like a plan.

Effective marketing of your brand (W64 – Wednesday, 3:30 – 5:00)

Okay...full disclosure; I'm one of the panelists in this workshop. I could beg you all to come and see me, but really, given that I'm much more comfortable behind the scenes, I'd rather you come and listen to Steve Twombly, Gail Ravgiala (both of Design New England), or Lisa Quackenbush (an excellent PR professional) - experts all in the world of media. Having looked at thousands of design websites, I do have a lot of opionions on what to do and what not to do - and my fellow panelists have years of combined experience in what it takes to rise above the fray.

Environmentally responsible landscape design - W42 (Wednesday 1:00 - 2:30)

Hey - is it redundant to say that landscape design should be 'green'? It would seem obvious, but I am sure that what I don't know about responsible landscape design could fill a...well it could fill a rainwater harvesting barrel.

I don't think it matters if you never ever step outside with your client - I can't imagine that knowing more about smart plant choices, and smart irrigation wouldn't make you a better designer or architect.

The greening of the housing industry (W24 - Wednesday, 10:30 - noon)

The description of this seminar starts out saying, "The good news is"...I think we all want more good news, don't we? So what is the good news? According to the NAHB's Green Homeowner SmartMarket report (would that be the NAHBGHSR?), the market for green housing is poised to be a $20 billion-dollar industry in the near future. I like the sound of that.

Hammersmith Studios - Artisan Area...

As many people know, this year at the Residential Design & Construction show we've created a special section on the show floor to highlight and showcase the work of some of the regions many artisans. I can't think of any design project that would not be enhanced by using something hand-made. Carl and Susan Close of Hammersmith Studios have been pounding out beautiful work for years. If you interested in learning more about hand-crafted ironwork, I'd make it a point to stop by their booth.

Gold Digger...Decorative Gold Painting Demo

The artist Holly Alderman has a thing for gold; golden walls, gold ceilings, gold screens, on and in paintings, golden garden chairs, I could go on.

You name it - she'll figure out if you should paint it or glaze it using gold.

Did you know that gold is the most malleable substance known? And one gold leaf is measured as four to five millionths of an inch in thickness, which is so thin that it is nearly weightless and the slightest movement of air will cause it to wrinkle. It will melt between your fingers. I find that beautiful and terrifying at the same time.

Klein Woodworking...Artisan Area

This....is a table top. If you aren't drawn to this beautiful piece of art as functional item...then I don't even know you anymore! It is appropriately named the Zipper Table and it was made using bubinga (I just love saying bubinga) and black lacquer. Dan Klein has been producing custom pieces for 25 years, and it's clear that he loves his work, and sees things that others might not.

Van Millwork - booth #570

How important is beautiful millwork to any design project? Look at that image - need I say more? I will venture to say that the fortunes of many an architect and designer might rise or fall on the choice of a good....or not so good millwork partner. Choose carefully people!

S&H Construction - booth #343

The sun will come out tomorrow....or will it? No matter if it does or doesn't, you'll want to stop by the S&H booth (or listen in on their demo), to learn more about sustainable remodeling, solar electric, solar hot water, and geothermal HVAC systems (wow, that was a mouthful). Like wind farm turbines, I find solar panels to be quite beautiful in their own way.

Delivering a “no regrets” project- W49 (1:00 - 2:30 Wednesday)

Here I am, humming the line from the Billie Holiday tune: "No regrets, although our love affair has gone astray." No one wants to equate home design projects with love affairs - but you might say that working with designers, architects, and contractors over long periods of time can try every emotion that a homeowner has - including love and hate. I think everyone wants to their clients to beam with pride when speaking about the process and the project, so managing their expectations throughout should be a course that's given in all design schools. Because I don't think it is a course, I'd recommend sitting in on this one.

The biggest energy mistakes architects and builders make - W24 (Wednesday, 10:30 - noon)

Call this workshop Cold Comfort. Need we stress the importance of energy efficiency? I like workshops that focus on practical, yet very important concerns...and I think this one falls squarely in the middle of that.

Learn how to provide the biggest bang for the buck when customizing homes to make them more energy--efficient and comfortable. Learn how to identify common design mistakes that lead to high energy use and durability problems in wood framed buildings, review insulation performance and practical ways to tighten the building envelope, describe common mistakes made when selecting and sizing heating and air-conditioning equipment, ductwork installation, selecting high-performance windows, and identifying new solutions for energy-efficient lighting.

All of this adds up to one thing - becoming better informed.

East Coast Stone - booth #717

An independent wholesale natural stone company, East Coast works with all matter of materials, such as natural stone tiles, mosaics, moldings, glass mosaics and Italian ceramics. I still haven't tired of glass tiles - or mosaics.

Architectural Openings Inc. - booth #536

How about changing the saying, 'The eyes are the windows to your soul" to, "Doors are the window to your homes' soul?" Aside from first impressions and all of that, shouldn't your door be elevated to an art form? If you like that idea, you should stop by and speak to these guys. They 'get it'.

Chinatown residential (TT1, Thursday 9:30am - noon)

"Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown." I've always wanted to say that to someone. Sadly, I don't know anyone named Jake (except a dog, and I don't think that counts.) This tour takes you to the Archstone Boston Common, voted #1 high-rise residential complex by National Association of Home Builders in 2008. Both economically and architecturally, the development of the vibrant 24/7 center for living, working, and playing provides a catalyst for the revitalization of Boston's Chinatown and strengthens the integrity and vitality of the community. Couldn't have said that better myself.

The modernist kitchen (W63 - Wednesday, 3:30 - 5:00pm)

Have you ever wondered how kitchens became the focal point of a home? There used to be terms to describe people working in kitchens that never seemed exalted (scullery maid anyone?) I do wonder about these things (it's my job to wonder - lucky me), so it's with much curiosity that I'll be listening and learning from three gentlemen who have between them probably worked on, researched, or walked around in hundreds of kitchens. This workshop will actually focus on kitchen design as a specific application of modernist ideals. Modernist ideals? Don't be put off - that just means open floor plans. See how much we're learning already?

Counter Intelligence (because I love the name)! (T83 – Thursday, 6-7:30pm)

Have we grown weary of granite? Did the articles about radon in granite scare you? Have you wanted to explore other materials (concrete and glass anyone?) but are afraid of making a mistake? I think you’ll find answers to these questions in this workshop. Rosemary Porto, aside from being a very talented Kitchen Designer, could probably host a weekly TV show on Kitchen Design and never run out of opinions or guests!

Ferguson/J.D. Daddario Co. - booth #234

This faucet is from Kohler's new collection, called 'Oblo'. I looked the word up in good old dictionary.com, but they couldn't find it. The closest thing I found was that it's as Adamawa language spoken in Cameroon. I'm not sure that's what Kohler had in mind, but I'm sure the good folks at Ferguson might be able to help us figure this out. I'll stop by their booth and report back to you.

Solar and wind-powered residences (W48, Wednesday, 1:00 - 2:30pm)

Given that I'm writing this post as 45 mph winds whip past my window, it seems as though wind-powered would be a breeze for my condo. All puns aside, renewable energy is still a term that hasn't been 'greenwashed' as of this writing. It is still as viable as ever, and for those of us who don't know geothermal heatpumps from thermal underwear (that would be me), I'd recommend sitting in on this seminar.

F. H. Perry Builders - booth #533

You've got to love a builder whose philosophy is so simple....to do the right thing. To build trust, foster relationships, help homeowners realize their dreams. Seem simple? Here's a quote from Finley Perry:

“Sometimes leadership is having a vision. Sometimes leadership is recognizing vision in others.” Simple? Not on your life.

Clarke Distribution - booth #442

Clarke is the exclusive New England distributor of the highest quality brands the industry has to offer. Their brands include Sub-Zero, Wolf, ASKO, KWC, Best and Scotsman. I'd like to say something pithy here, but (a) this image just knocked me out, and (b) I always get excited when technology, innovation and design get together to produce products that look like this one. Maybe I'm an appliance geek? Is that so wrong?

Opening Night Networking...woo-hoo!

Whoever said that architects don't like to network clearly has never been to any Boston Society of Architects (BSA) events. Architects can party! And so can builders, and designers, and remodelers....hey....here's an idea...let's have a party and invite everyone! Throwing caution to the wind, we hereby invite ALL building industry professionals to join us at the first inter-association networking extravaganza! From 5:00 - 7:00pm, Wednesday, April 1st (opening night), we hope you will all stop by to unwind and meet others in your industry. They say talk is cheap, but you couldn't pay me to miss this event.

Landry & Arcari Oriental Rugs - booth #569

One of the reasons you attend the Residential Design & Construction show is to see products that you might not normally get to see. Gorgeous oriental rugs are the jewel in the crown of many design projects, and I am just sure that the good people at Landry & Arcari will have many in their booth. This particular beauty is a Serapi, woven in Turkey. I'm not saying that they will have this exact rug in their booth - all I'm saying is that I think it's representative of the types of rugs you will see in their booth. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Shiplights - booth #357

Some companies fall into the trap of trying to be too many things to too many people...but not Shiplights. They have stayed true to their vision and style, producing elegant (yes, I think they are elegant) light fixtures for both commercial and residential use.