If you have recently given your home a serious makeover, now that the repairmen are gone and the mess is cleaned, you are probably assessing whether everything is as you imagined it. However, with so many choices to make it seems as though the work is never done, especially when
Last week, leading UK construction, refurbishment and fit out contractor, Gilbert-Ash marked its recent growth by unveiling a collaborative As One exhibition at an event at The IET, London. Attended by over 100 high profile guests from the across the design and construction industry, the considered collection celebrates twenty three
The eco-friendly movement made its way in almost all aspects of our lives. The people deciding to join this noble cause range from those who are completely ride-or-die when it comes to embracing the green mentality to those who simply are willing to change certain behavioral patterns but are not
Working from home has so many perks: you don’t have to worry about nosy co-workers or an overly-demanding boss. Everything can be done on your own terms as long as you do finish your tasks on time. Working from bed can be tempting, but it can also impact your productivity,
BELFAST fit-out specialist Portview is bathing in glory after completing a major contract in Liverpool on what is the world’s biggest Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics store. Five times bigger than the previous store and spread over three customer-facing floors, the new 1,380 sq metres Lush Liverpool – which is big
The #iBuiltThis2019 competition is open for entries. The competition, run by FIS, now in its third year, is a visual campaign that draws on the pride construction workers take when they see finished projects that they have worked on – harnessing the “I Built This” feeling to promote construction as
In recent years, the research for innovative solutions for home furnishings has made it possible to enhance the value of leather, using it as a covering for different areas of the home. In addition to the classic sofas and armchairs, leather can also be used to cover the walls of
Beautiful spaces are carefully designed and decorated by experts to make the people who use those spaces feel relaxed, comfortable and surrounded by beauty. When you walk into an amazing hotel, or shop and are inspired by the decoration and the use of light and space that gives it personality,
FIS, representative body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK and the Steel Construction Institute (SCI), launched the much-awaited Technical Report ED017 – Design and Installation of Light Steel External Wall Systems guide with a consortium of industry partners on 16 May 2019. The launch was
Desk Buzz, a new office furniture company, is planning to use Clerkenwell Design Week to launch its exciting new range of office space management solutions in the UK. The pro standard furniture, which is being manufactured in Slovenia, is being imported and distributed by Desk Buzz, a new brand, established
If you have recently given your home a serious makeover, now that the repairmen are gone and the mess is cleaned, you are probably assessing whether everything is as you imagined it. However, with so many choices to make it seems as though the work is never done, especially when it comes to the interior. For those lost in a multitude of options and who are worn out from making major remodeling decisions, here are a few smaller projects to consider that will highlight the beauty of your freshly renovated nest. Go green If you are an outdoorsy person, you shouldn’t think twice before you fill your home with plants. Huddle them in order to make a green corner or place them gingerly around the room. Esthetically speaking, plants will enrich any space with a dash of color. If you play around with how you arrange the pots, you can create many interesting arrangements which will revive a dull room. However, plants are more than decorative elements to your house. They purify the air, which then makes the room feel fresher and people less fatigued and therefore happier. Besides consequentially lifting your mood, the greenery is a good place to rest your eyes. The only thing to be mindful of is the intake of water and the amount of direct sunlight each plant requires, as well as whether you are able to provide them with those conditions. Let the light in Even countries which get a lot of sunlight all year through, like Australia, have to sometimes compensate with lamps and chandeliers when there is not enough light or windows in a room. If you wish for a room to appear spacious and open, consider track lighting. It is quite convenient since it can be placed even on walls and beams, enabling more light sources to be placed throughout the room. Even the atmosphere in the house can be set with a specific light setting. For example, head for well-equipped lighting stores in Sydney in search of dimmers and lamps which can give your bedroom a cozier and warmer feeling. Such stores always have an employee who can provide you with advice on the choice of the light source, depending on what your wishes are. Accessorize moderately Striking a balance between peppering every available surface of the house with trinkets and having room to move is not always an easy task for people who love ornaments. However, too much clutter, no matter how gorgeous those individual items look, can turn your elegant family house, whether it`s a country house or a downtown 3-bedroom apartment, into an aesthetically-challenged flee market. So, think in terms of central pieces, those that will catch everyone’s eye and enrich the lovely undertone you already created. It can be anything from a vase to a clock, but once you set it in place, make sure that other elements, if any, accentuate the beauty of both your home and that central piece, instead of disrupting it. Mix and match Don’t be afraid to play around with fabrics, materials, and colors since the combinations you can create can give your interior just the right boost. Hardwood goes well with finer elements, so your wooden crate can be a resting place for a modern glass lamp. Cold marble kitchen countertops are perfect for placing a small flower pot, or a set of wooden utensils. A leather armchair could be combined well with soft cashmere thrown over it, and if your living room is black and white, throw in a yellow pillow or two to give it some life. If your bathroom has just a little window as the source of light, paint the walls white, choose bright colored tiles, as well as towels. Depending on the floor color and material, mix dark surfaces with pastel carpets and vice versa, but don’t forget that you would need a thicker fabric for tile floors if you wish to stay warm. Although you might be happy with the way the interior of your home looks like, there are probably a few things that you could change, just to strike a better balance with the atmosphere you created. If you are a nature lover, adding plants and flower pots will please you both visually and psychologically, while carefully positioned lighting can contribute to boosting your mood. For trinkets collectors, the only cure is to limit their budget and aim for central pieces instead of the whole store, while artistic souls could enjoy bravely mixing styles and materials. Whatever you choose, just bear in mind that when it comes to interior decorating, less is more.
Last week, leading UK construction, refurbishment and fit out contractor, Gilbert-Ash marked its recent growth by unveiling a collaborative As One exhibition at an event at The IET, London. Attended by over 100 high profile guests from the across the design and construction industry, the considered collection celebrates twenty three iconic projects. The exhibition has been designed to represent how Gilbert-Ash has grown significantly in this time as a result of its unique collaborative approach working with its team, partners and clients to create landmark buildings around the world. Selected and interpreted by Hugh Mulholland, one of the UK and Ireland’s leading visual art curators and currently Senior Curator of The MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre) in Belfast, the imagery includes recent, high-profile projects. These include the Cambridge Mosque, stand-out Royal College of Pathologists headquarters, the award-winning City of London Freemen’s School swimming pool and the stunning new build of the renowned Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. Curator Hugh Mulholland commented: “As One” is a considered collection that brings together imagery from Gilbert-Ash’s most recent, highest profile projects. In totality, the exhibition symbolises the company’s ‘as one’ approach. But take a closer look and you’ll discover that each photograph does too. Wood, glass, stone and the environment in which each building exists work together to create a unity much greater than the sum of the parts. Ray Hutchinson, Managing Director, Gilbert-Ash commented: “As we recognise the recent success of many projects and our continued growth as company, we felt it was the perfect time to step back and take a moment to understand why we have reached this point; and this exhibition is the result – a celebration of collaboration and our signature can-do style. “We have had the privilege of working with visionary clients, partners and suppliers, and we really do work as one to pursue excellence, delivering innovative, bespoke buildings all over the world. Gilbert-Ash is an employee owned company which certainly leads to a unique working culture. Our success is in no small part down to this environment and the hands-on attitude of our dedicated team – often going above and beyond to deliver stunning buildings while confidently facing and overcoming challenges that can often be encountered.” The venue selected for the unveiling of the ‘As One’ exhibition – the headquarters of the Institution of Engineering &Technology (IET) on Savoy Place – is also an award-winning Gilbert-Ash project preserving a heritage building while providing a contemporary home for the IET and its 150,000 members in 127 countries around the world and one of London’s most technologically advanced conferencing facilities. Aside from projects highlighted in the As One exhibition, Gilbert-Ash’s current work on prestigious Royal College of Music in London was represented this evening by a talented quartet which accompanied the unveiling. Gilbert-Ash projects have been shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Stirling Prize with its work on the Everyman Theatre recognised in the winning of the coveted award in 2014. The contractor employs over 180 staff at offices in London and Belfast and is currently UK Contractor of the Year in the coveted Construction News Awards. Gilbert-Ash’s latest financial results reveal significant year-on-year growth with an increase in overall turnover to £179.4m in 2018, up from £165.5m in the previous year. The company also confirmed a more than three-fold increase in pre-tax profits to £7.6m in 2018, an increase from £2m in 2017. Gilbert-Ash attributes its continued strong performance to its ‘As One’ approach and its unique working culture and family environment as an employee-owned company. It also highlighted the completion this year of a broad portfolio of successful construction projects across sectors including arts and culture, workplace, hotels and leisure, science and technology, retail and residential. Speaking tonight at the event, Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson also revealed plans to invest in new £5m headquarters in Belfast with work already underway on the prestigious new facilities close to its current offices in Boucher Road in the city. The As One Exhibition will be moving tomorrow to The MAC, an award-winning venue in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and home to iconic exhibitions, theatre performances, and contemporary experimental works. Employees, partners and industry stakeholders from across Northern Ireland will join Gilbert-Ash in the Belfast unveiling.
The eco-friendly movement made its way in almost all aspects of our lives. The people deciding to join this noble cause range from those who are completely ride-or-die when it comes to embracing the green mentality to those who simply are willing to change certain behavioral patterns but are not willing to make some larger sacrifices and convert all the way. That being said, we can notice a significant increase in people embracing eco-friendly designs in their homes and living environments. This probably stems from the fact that we, humans – as a race – have moved so much away from the nature we originally came from, that we are now looking for ways to come back to it and embrace it once more as much as possible. Since we already know that the kitchen is the heart of every home and we are now increasingly striving towards embracing nature, it only makes sense that we want to make our kitchen designs eco-friendlier as well. Here are some ideas worth considering. Start from the ground up Just like you wouldn’t start building a home from the roof down, you shouldn’t start any redecoration project with anything other than your floors. When it comes to sustainable flooring solutions, reclaimed wood is one of the better ways to go. However, finding enough reclaimed wood can prove to be really difficult. That’s why you should definitely consider going with concrete floors, especially in areas such as the kitchen. These are very durable and easy to maintain, and they can be so versatile you definitely won’t have any difficulties picking the right fit for your desired final look. Decide on the color scheme Next, once your flooring solution is set in place, you should focus on the other base of your design – the walls. Depending on the vibe and design you’re going for, you probably already have a color scheme in mind. However, in order to stay on the eco-friendly track here, it’s important to note that you should pay special attention to the type of paint you choose to go with as well. Zero-VOC and lead-free paints are the ones you should choose for this project as they are safe both for the environment and the people living in your household – yourself included. Add shelter for your dishes Kitchen cabinets are something many associate with being pricey and usually not very eco-conscious to make. However, this way of thinking is very, very wrong, especially when talking about built-in or fitted kitchen cabinets. With these, you can go with an iron or stainless-steel base construction and the only other materials you’ll have to use will be the ones used for kitchen cabinet fronts and countertops. However, do know that you will have to specify clearly that you want to go with this type of kitchen cabinets, as they are still a relatively new concept and not many people are familiar with the idea. Chose work surfaces with care And now comes the fun part – countertops, sinks and other work surfaces. When sinks are concerned, you should definitely go with the ones made of natural stone, as they are super easy to make and look absolutely stunning. Recycled glass is becoming an increasingly popular option for countertops. The reason behind this is the fact that not only are they super sturdy but they also offer a range of color combos and finishes that can fit right in with any kitchen design. Finally, chopping boards are also something you should be very careful when buying. Plastic cutting boards that are most commonly used in households are not very good for either the users or the environment, as they can contain some harsh chemicals, among other things. That’s why you should always try to go with wooden chopping boards that are not only safe to use but look absolutely stunning. That’s why you should look for a charcuterie board for sale and use it both as a nifty kitchen tool and a décor piece when it’s not being used. You can even buy multiple of these and hang them on your kitchen wall so that they can serve the aesthetic purpose as well. Make it light and bright Finally, the lighting in your kitchen must be top-notch. Since the kitchen is the place most commonly filled with sharp objects, hot surfaces and boiling-hot food it’s only normal that you do all in your power to make this area as bright as possible. To stay as eco-friendly and as energy efficient as possible, invest in equipping your lighting fixtures with LED light bulbs. Not only are these very eco-friendly but they are also excellent at mimicking natural light. So, if you are looking to create a sustainable design in your kitchen and make it as eco-friendly as possible, start by implementing some of these changes.
Working from home has so many perks: you don’t have to worry about nosy co-workers or an overly-demanding boss. Everything can be done on your own terms as long as you do finish your tasks on time. Working from bed can be tempting, but it can also impact your productivity, therefore it’s much better to have your own office where you’ll be able to work in peace. A home office can increase your productivity and help you work harder, so here are some tips for designing it to suit your needs. Get rid of distractions Decluttering can be extremely beneficial if you want to stay on track. A home office is supposed to be a place for work, not for lounging, so make sure to remove all the clutter and junk and make it functional. Having too many decor pieces can be distracting, instead, add one or two elements in a tray like this one and keep the rest minimalist. Use the shelves for files, folders, and books, and if you have a lot of documents, get some paper trays where you can put all the paperwork. Make your desk as clean as possible, so you’ll be able to focus on work. By doing so, you’ll have a more relaxing and comfortable work ambiance at home. Get a comfortable chair Having a comfortable chair is essential if you want to avoid back pain and stiffness. There are many types of chairs, so before you purchase, try at least two or three until you find the one that’s comfortable. You can choose a specifically colored chair that matches your office vibe, but when it comes to office chairs, you should always prioritize your own comfort. When picking a chair, make sure that the backrest is adjustable and follow the shape of the spine. Plus, if you have a carpet, make sure that your chair has wheels made for carpet, so it will be easy for you to move around, especially whenever you need to reach something from the chair. It is a good idea to invest in an ergonomic office chair so you may prevent suffering from various postural and other musculoskeletal health problems. Take a look at the following tips when choosing an ergonomic office chair for your work-from-home setting: Choose Adjustable Armrests: With adjustable armrests, your arms can rest comfortably and your shoulders are more relaxed. Your lower arms and elbows rest will lightly, too. To ensure proper posture, your forearm shouldn’t be lying on the armrest while you’re typing. Seat Height: Select an ergonomic office chair with adjustable seat height, which is one with a pneumatic adjustment lever. The seat height should range from 16 to 21 inches to leave your feet flat on the floor, with thighs horizontal and arms even with the height of the desk. Choose One With A Swivel: Pick an ergonomic chair that could easily rotate so you can easily reach different areas on your desk without causing strains. Backrest: When it comes to the chair’s backrest, it should be around 12 to 19 inches wide. The backrest should be height and angle adjustable if it’s separated from the seat. Seat Depth And Width: Comfortably sit with 17 to 20 inches wide as the standard width. The depth (measurement from front to back) needs to be enough to sit with your back against the ergonomic office chair’s back (leaving 2 to 4 inches between your knees and the chair seat). Lumbar Support: Look for an ergonomic chair with good lower back support. Because the lumbar spine curves inward, the natural curve can be flattened when sitting for a long period due to slouching. Avoid straining your spine by choosing an ergonomic chair with a lumbar adjustment to get the proper fit and support your lower back. Seat Material: Choose an ergonomic office chair material with enough padding for your comfort, most especially if you will be working for long hours. Shelves will give you more space Aside from looking good, shelves can help you reorganize your office and make it look tidier. If you feel like you need some extra space, you should consider investing in durable and quality shelving. Having a place to put away all your books and heavy folders can greatly improve your home office and make it look more business-like, which is important if you have clients coming over. And if you’re feeling extra creative, you can play with different designs and materials so your shelf will look more interesting. Decorate wisely Maybe some people prefer cramped working spaces, but for maximum productivity, you should aim for less is more principle. Adding some paintings you love will enrich your space and make it look more homely and stylish. Getting some potted plants can have benefits, so be sure to choose those that fit with your office and are also easy to maintain. Besides, a nice round rug will add make your home office look more like a pleasant living room, so feel free to buy one that is easy on the eye and soft. Keep it well-lit Whether you work during the day or night, your home office needs to be properly lit so you’ll avoid straining your eyes. If you prefer daytime, ensure that you have enough natural light coming in. To make it happen, get quality windows and position your home office in a way that you’ll be close to the light source. Add curtains or blinds that are light and easy to adjust. And during the night, make sure you have enough lamps so you’ll be able to work without feeling disturbed by the lack of light. Get a meeting area If you have clients, it’s important to have space where you can sit and talk to them without being distracted. Ideally, a meeting area is a room separate from your office, but in case you can’t afford it, you can use a corner in your office where you’ll place a small table and two
BELFAST fit-out specialist Portview is bathing in glory after completing a major contract in Liverpool on what is the world’s biggest Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics store. Five times bigger than the previous store and spread over three customer-facing floors, the new 1,380 sq metres Lush Liverpool – which is big enough to hold nine million of its famous bath bombs – has opened its doors after a nine-month transformation. The scheme by Lush’s in-house design team and international architecture firm Hyphen was executed by Portview with an emphasis on enhancing the building’s original features. Portview managing director Simon Campbell said: “We’ve a fantastic relationship with Lush and share their passion for protecting the planet. “We worked in close collaboration with both the client team and Hyphen to ensure Lush’s high environmental standards were upheld at each stage of the process, from the sustainable design choices through to the responsible sourcing, restoring and repurposing of recycled materials to help reduce our carbon footprint significantly. “This has been one of our most iconic retail projects to date and it’s a proud moment for us to see it come to life.” Materials include reclaimed timbers, brick and silver tiles, which complement the injection of fresh, citrus colours from the 300 new products on display. Lush says that a time when revitalisation is needed more than ever, the new destination shop aims to bring more innovation and creative personal experiences than ever before to the high street. The chain’s co-founder & managing director Mark Constantine said: “Liverpool is full of opportunities. We’ve had a lot of experience in this city for a long time and the new shop is geared up to what customers here need. We look forward to encouraging people to use our products before they go to work or out that night.”
The #iBuiltThis2019 competition is open for entries. The competition, run by FIS, now in its third year, is a visual campaign that draws on the pride construction workers take when they see finished projects that they have worked on – harnessing the “I Built This” feeling to promote construction as a career choice. The competition platform goes live on 13 June and entries will close on 15 September with the winners announced at the awards ceremony at UK Construction Week on 8 October 2019. FIS CEO, Iain McIlwee stated, “The construction industry employs around 3.1 million people, that equates to one in ten people working in the UK. #iBuiltThis is about celebrating this through social media. It is something that everyone in construction can get behind. We’ve focussed on making it simple. This launch is a call to action to individuals and companies to take #iBuiltThis and make it your own, use it to highlight excellent work one of your new starters or apprentices has done, as an initiative to help engage with your local school, college or even Scout group, make entering an activity for a young person on work experience or encourage your own children to enter – use it to help those around you to understand the joy that can be found in making and building, making a mark on the future landscape of the UK.” To encourage young people to get involved, the competition has been divided into three age groups with some fabulous prizes to be won: 13 and under (family trip to Legoland with an overnight stay at Castle Hotel, 14-18 (an iPhone XR) and 19 plus (a getaway for two adults in one of Canopy & Stars exclusive properties in the UK). We would like entrants to share a photo of themselves (selfie) with the image of a completed project they have built, or helped to build and enter on the competition platform when it opens on 13 June. FIS is encouraging schools and colleges to get fully engaged with and run their own mini #iBuiltThis competitions and enter the finalists and winners via a secure platform. A special prize for the most engaged school or college will be awarded to the institution that makes the most entries. The competition is open to everyone who has a passion for building, construction, design, fit-out, interiors and more. Entrants are encouraged to be as creative as possible, whether it’s a model, a physical structure, building, drawing or even a digital design using software. They are free to use any material for their build. This year’s competition sponsors include, UK Construction Week, Silver Trowel Ltd, Building Heroes, CSCS, Astins Ltd and Michel Mersh Brick Holdings Plc. We also have an exclusive line-up on the judging panel consisting of industry leaders, advocates and educators who are backing this competition. The diversity the judging panel bring demonstrate how collaboration across the industry can help us to reach out to a wider audience and present construction as an attractive industry, full of opportunity and diversity of careers for young people and new entrants. This year’s judging panel: • Alison Watson MBE – Founder and chief executive of Class of Your Own • Brendan Williams – CEO of Building Heroes • Fred Mills – Co-Founder and managing director of The B1M channel • Kathryn Lennon-Johnson – Founder and director of Built Environment Skills in Schools (BESS) • Mark Farmer – industry advocate and Founding director and CEO of Cast Consultancy • Naomi Hamilton – winner of IBT2018 – 14-18 age category contest – will be in attendance • Rebecca Lovelace – Founder of Building People • Steve Coley – FIS immediate past president and FIS Skills Board member The competition will be judged on the best creative picture and best response to the question asked within each age category. The public vote will make up 50% of the overall scores. The remaining 50% of the scores will be ranked in order by the judging panel. Alison Watson MBE, Founder and chief executive of Class of Your Own said “I am thrilled to be involved in #iBuiltThis 2019 competition, it’s a great way to engage with people of all ages, especially young people and inspire them to use their skills in building and showcasing the projects they are proud of. I would encourage everybody to enter, especially schools and colleges. I am looking forward to seeing all the brilliant entries for this competition”. For more information about #iBuiltThis2019 competition, sponsorship or you would like to get involved and become Competition Ambassadors: email yasminkauser@thefis.org or visit our website page on: www.thefis.org/skills-hub/i-built-this-2019-competition/
In recent years, the research for innovative solutions for home furnishings has made it possible to enhance the value of leather, using it as a covering for different areas of the home. In addition to the classic sofas and armchairs, leather can also be used to cover the walls of the rooms, giving each room a unique style and elegance. Through this short guide, we will embark on an interesting journey in the leather’s world, discovering the different types, their average duration, their advantages and disadvantages and learning how to clean it to keep it in excellent condition. How long does leather last? Being a natural coating, leather does not have a universally recognized average durability: in fact, its “longevity” is influenced by many factors, not least the conditions in which the animals from which it was derived used to live. In fact, different habitats can determine a different aesthetic rendering of the product: for this reason, it is advisable to inquire about the origin of the leather regarding the product with which it was made, with the aim of collecting as much information as possible about the origin of your furniture accessories. Another aspect to consider in relation to the durability of the leather is its natural evolution over time, due to both the use of the product, the type of leather with which it was made and finally, the maintenance. To give a concrete example, the covering of a sofa or an armchair on which you sit on often will wear out more quickly. Similarly, the use of cleaning products that are not suitable for cleaning the leather and the exposure of the product to atmospheric agents or direct sunlight may affect the durability of the upholstery. Types of Leather Not all leathers are the same; on the contrary, there are different types, which are distinguished by the quality of the raw material, but also by the processing method they have undergone, the colours and the finishings. The main types of leather are: Full grain: it is soft and resistant at the same time, it is the most valuable part of the hide, that is the outer layer. Natural/printed grain: again these are high quality leathers, processed naturally or printed. While some small defects may be visible on natural grain leathers, such as a scar, printed leathers are generally more uniform, since the pressing due to the printing process helps to give homogeneity to the surface. Nabuk: this term refers to a type of leather in which the first layer (skin) of the animal is preserved and subjected to a specific shaving. It is soft, delicate and extremely pleasant to the touch. Crust: this is the lower layer that is obtained by splitting the full grain leather. Regenerated: the lowest quality leather, made from waste leather of about 80% and the remaining 20% using mixed compounds. Advantages and disadvantages Choosing leather as a covering for your home is a decision that has many advantages, even if you have to consider some negative aspects. Definitely to be considered among the advantages are the versatility, the sturdiness, the elegance and the incomparable aesthetic impact that characterize a leather product, especially if it is made with high quality leathers, produced by professionals of the sector. Moreover, leather (unlike fabric) is also suitable for those who suffer from allergies to mites, because it does not absorb dust and lint. On the other hand, a product made of fine leather can have a high cost, requires special attention and meticulous maintenance and does not have a high degree of permeability. Maintenance and cleaning For leather upholstery, good maintenance is essential. Most leathers are cleaned by wiping them with a white cloth moistened with a few drops of mild soap and then drying them with a normal dust cloth. It is a procedure to be carried out only 3 or 4 times a year; the dusting, on the other hand, must be carried out on a weekly basis. As far as anilines are concerned, extremely valuable leathers that do not show any trace of chemical substances, in order not to alter their splendid beauty, a weekly dusting with a soft and dry cloth is sufficient. Finally, any substance that accidentally comes into contact with the leather product must be removed as quickly as possible to prevent it being absorbed.
Beautiful spaces are carefully designed and decorated by experts to make the people who use those spaces feel relaxed, comfortable and surrounded by beauty. When you walk into an amazing hotel, or shop and are inspired by the decoration and the use of light and space that gives it personality, it is no accident. It is a feeling we often seek to replicate in our own homes. To create a place of beauty, that also reflects our personality while still being able to use it in a practical way with our family. This is more difficult than you might think, and to really get the look you want the only way is to hire a professional interior designer. A way to express yourself in the home around you You might be worried that by hiring a professional interior designer, that the finished space will lose some of the sense of your personality and likes, and start to reflect more the style of the designer themselves. This will not happen with a good designer. They will gently influence, after all with the experience they will know how to make the best use of light, and how to design a complementary colour palette, but this is all meant to enrich and enhance your own preferences. The customer comes first, and this means embracing your individuality in their designs and to ensure every step of the way that your expectations will be met. Most who use the services of a designer often find that the designer is able to suggest ways to represent your styles in a manner that you would likely never have thought of. Consider a designer like a specialist advisor and coordinator of your project. They will bring all their expertise to bear in what the latest trends are in the market, modern decoration and refurbishment techniques, how to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly and also how to make sure a space is practical for family life as well as beautiful. This advice and guidance is priceless. Getting help with a refurbishment project can save you time and money The big transformation of your house can be very complicated. It is not just the aesthetics, but the practical building work as well. Bringing together multiple workmen and suppliers and ensuring the overall vision and plan is followed can be quite daunting without the help of a project manager.Costs and delays can quickly turn the whole thing into a nightmare. This is why it is better to work with someone who can manage this for you, with consultancy, planning and also the execution of those plans. You also need someone who can find local, reliable quality workmen. Access to the best contacts and suppliers in the business When you work with an expert – like those at www.katrin-ackfeld-interior-mallorca.com, you know that you are getting the best in the business. With 29 years experience in interior design, and 14 years experience in refurbishment and construction, you know that they will be able to connect with the most specialist craftsmen and suppliers available, both on the island of Mallorca and all around the work. If you are looking to renovate your living space on Mallorca, and do not speak the local language, then this can be incredibly challenging and make it impossible to get what you need done. You also need to have knowledge of the local laws and regulation in terms of contracts and renovations, but someone with 20 years experience in Mallorca, that speaks three languages will be able to take care of all of this for you, and take much of the worry out of the works. You can have peace of mind, and just watch it all come together around you, then simply do what is meant to be done and enjoy your new space.
FIS, representative body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK and the Steel Construction Institute (SCI), launched the much-awaited Technical Report ED017 – Design and Installation of Light Steel External Wall Systems guide with a consortium of industry partners on 16 May 2019. The launch was well attended by industry partners and the guide will be an invaluable tool for all those working with Steel Framing Systems, designing and installing them. Iain McIlwee, CEO of FIS said “the development of this guidance is refreshing and we are so grateful to the SCI for their collaborative and open approach and to all the members who contributed to this work. Sectors evolve only through disruption and positive collaboration and this is a great example of the latter. The guide is collective wisdom of two organisations and vitally our members, sharing best practice to improve working practice – there is a better way than learning from our own mistakes, we can learn from each other’s! We hope it drives real improvement in the wider sector. It isn’t the end, it needs to be a live document and we need to continue to work together to improve support for those designing, installing and inspecting these systems. It is freely available on the website and we encourage people to use it and share it. At FIS we are committed to improving quality and competence in the interiors and finishes sector and this is another tool to do just that.” SFS is the lightweight steel frame used to create the inner leaf of an external wall, it’s been around for over 20 years but its benefits are just being realised, which is why so many projects are using it, but there are problems being created because of a lack of planning and knowledge. It’s the first thing you see, but often the last thing that’s designed in a building, and that’s the issue. SFS is seen as non-load bearing, not holding the structure up but it is supporting cladding, internal linings insulation and perhaps even services. There are significant implications should it fail, which could lead to the external cladding falling off. The guide will spread best practice, help raise standards and educate clients and installers, and because the sector is new there are still a lot of client’s, designers and installers who will benefit from an education process driven by the document. The guide will help avoid the issues caused by last minute changes. The guide is for anyone who designs and installs SFS infill walls, and anyone checking that the products are being correctly installed, such as a ‘Clerk of Works.’ It will help to raise standards, show clients what SFS is and how it works. It will get people thinking about what is expected of them, the design and the final installation. It will give installers the confidence to question designs and provide guidance to ensure the installation is as good as it can be. The document includes check lists as well as guidance that makes people stop and check that all the information that should be provided, is provided. As the landscape post-Grenfell develops, we envisage that it will be very different from the way in which buildings are being designed and constructed now, this guide will become the go to reference for all involved. Copies of the Steel Framing Systems guide are available to download from our website at: https://www.thefis.org/membership-hub/publications/sfsguide/
Desk Buzz, a new office furniture company, is planning to use Clerkenwell Design Week to launch its exciting new range of office space management solutions in the UK. The pro standard furniture, which is being manufactured in Slovenia, is being imported and distributed by Desk Buzz, a new brand, established in 2018 which has been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor for the Gonzaga range of furniture. Gongaza is an award-winning company that has been recognised by The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia for its outstanding business and entrepreneurial achievements. To launch the new company, Desk Buzz has taken a pop-up stand at Clerkenwell Design Week which is taking place in London between 21 and 23 May where it will showcase its full range of economy and executive desking, bench style desks, compatible modular storage systems, and innovative sound absorbing screens. Desk Buzz pop up showroom address: Design Fields DF51, Spa Fields, Northampton Road, EC1R 0DF Commenting on the launch of Desk Buzz, area sales manager Stephanie Hays said “We may be a new company, but the team has a wealth of knowledge of the office furniture market. We will be offering a wide range of furniture to suit every need, as well as providing quotations, space utilisation and floor planning advice, and an installation service.” All Desk Buzz products are bespoke and have been designed around the end user. Each design has been carefully crafted to help promote a healthy, productive and positive work space!
