March 31, 2015

Designer Insights with Mandisa Gosa

Last week, Terry's Fabrics interviewed Bialosky+ Parnters Interior Designer, Mandisa Gosa - asking her 5 big questions about inspiration, the creative process, and advice for up-and-coming designers.

Designer Insights with Mandisa Gosa

Courtesy of: Terry's Fabrics UK

- Transcript -

1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?

Modern with Global Funk. I gravitate towards environments that are overall quiet and modern but have layered elements of vivid color and playful moments. A style of self-expression.

2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?

I like to establish a working relationship with a client that is built on trust. From that point it’s a matter of narrowing in on their aesthetic, likes and dislikes; bouncing ideas off fellow designers and looking for inspiration for design development.

3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?

I work with many extremely talented people each with their own unique design aesthetic. I respect and admire all who are able to express themselves through a positive outlet.

4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?

Inspiration comes from everywhere: books, magazines, art, and nature. A lot of inspiration comes from my children, nieces and nephews. They have the natural ability to be fearless and unbound when it comes to creative expression.

5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?

I am at this point in my career due to determination, self-confidence with an approachable leadership style, and grace. My piece of advice would be to follow the path that brings you the most joy; but be open to the guidance and knowledge that others have to share.

August 15, 2013

A Guide to Green Furniture

“Sustainable” and “Green” are commonly used when speaking of interior finishes, and are becoming even more present in the world of furniture. Whether you’re purchasing new or replacing existing there are several things to keep in mind when selecting furniture. 1. Sustainable furnishings have a broad range of attributes which may not encompass all of your desires within one product, so decide what is most important to you in your search for green solutions. Attributes to look for:

  • Recycled/Salvaged content
  • Durability & Longevity
  • Rapidly renewable
  • Bio-based materials
  • No or Low VOC
  • Recyclability
  • Companies Environmental Policy
  • Reconfigurable
  • Easy replacement
  • Serviceability of components
111 Navy Chair from Enemco is made of recycled content, specifically 65% Recycled PET and 35% Glass Fiber. Featured on Bialosky + Partners Architects Cleveland Design Blog

111 Navy Chair from Enemco is made of recycled content, specifically 65% Recycled PET and 35% Glass Fiber.

Steelcase-Dash

The Dash task light from Steelcase, and designed with Foster + Partners, is a good example of a product with longevity. Dash uses a mercury-free LED and a wireless current to eliminate PVC.

2. To aid in your search, look for third-party verification certificates. These certificates are based on industry best practices and require an extensive application process. Bialosky + Partners Architects Green Furniture Guide

3. Consider a product's complete lifecycle which covers a products origin, creation, shipping and disposal. Through established relationships, companies such as Humanscale aid in the disposal of product through, donation, refurbishment or recycling.

HumanScale Bialosky + Partners Architects

HumanScale's Diffrient World Chair is a mesh-based chair known for easy replacement and serviceability.

There is a whole sea of furniture in the green market, so use these tips when buying your next piece, whether for a client or for your own home!