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February 2009
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"Most obstacles are imaginary; the rest are only temporary."

-Scott Sorrell

(click image for the C Collection)

Sustainable architecture
A stimulus for good design
The stimulus package should bring economic relief with 15,221 infrastructure projects in 641 cities that are "ready to go." But while speed in getting work started and jobs created is key, the importance of good design, which will last for generations, should not be lost in the haste.

Perhaps the greatest design opportunity the economic stimulus can give us is for green and sustainable design to become an automatic and essential part of the architecture of new buildings, not just an added extra. In the same way that a bailout for the auto industry presents the prospect of reorienting the design of automobiles in a sustainable direction, so the economic stimulus package offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reorient our architectural focus toward sustainable design. There are few better ways to do that than to put federal contracting dollars behind sustainable design.

The proposed stimulus bill contains around $54 billion in incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency including dollars for retrofitting of federal buildings, weatherization of homes, loan guarantees and grants to automobile battery-makers. All these are important investments, but we also need to be sure the infrastructure dollars in the stimulus package are focused on sustainable design.

Let's hope that high-powered design interest is made real in the bricks and mortar. The stimulus package is a chance to be bold and build civic structures that will mark this period as a time when long-lasting public architecture and design reclaimed their place at the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable design became truly mainstream.
Patrician
Now on display
Patrician's virtual catalog is now on Interior Design's "Library", where users can easily flip through its pages!

This virtual catalog also features a sticky note and email function so viewers can make notes on any page or email pages to potential clients, their sales representative, or themselves.

The virtual catalog can be a valuable resource for:
  • Connecting with established clients
  • Getting in front of new clients
  • Availability when you need it
  • Easily directing clients to it

Take a tour today!
Practical Magic
A bit of Practical Magic
Practical Magic is a collection of designs for HBF Textiles from Marilyn Geller, conceived as a celebration of new trends in both sustainable textiles and performance finishes. These contract fabrics are very "Practical", but at the same time each offer a bit of "Magic".

Improving product sustainability is an ongoing mission for textile manufacturers and HBF Textiles is committed to bringing the latest of the enhancements to the contract market.
GreenZone
Interior Design has the latest information, tips, ideas and trends for sustainable design, eco-friendly, environmental design, LEED-CI, green products, USGBC news and green office buildings.

All the best,

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Bill Meyer
Contract Specialities, Inc. (CSI)

phone: 954-389-1295 or 800-808-8274