Free Continuing Education for Interior Designers & Architects

Established in 2000, InformeDesign is a collaboration between ASID & the University of Minnesota's College of Design.  The driving idea was the belief (read: FACT) that interior designers and architects must continue to their education to improve their methods of protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public. InformeDesign's mission is to "facilitate designers' use of current, research-based information as a decision-making tool in the design process, thereby integrating research and practice." 

Liquid Floor Tiles by B.Lab

This is by no means a new product, but it's fun and worth mentioning. B.lab, an Italian manufacturer, has a product called B-surfaces, it's a floor tile that has a layer of liquid beneath a clear coating.  When pressure is applied to the surface of the tile, the liquid moves to an area with less pressure, leaving a negative impression of whatever applied the force for a few moments. (If you walk on the tile, your footprints will remain for a few seconds.)

We had this installed in a study area at my college and it was definitely a fun interactive experience.  This tile would be great for any place where children will be present. B-surfaces is sold under many different brand names: Liquifloor, Liquid Floor, Liquid Lava & Liquid Fusion, to name a few.  Tiles are available in a variety of colors and in  Watercolor (1 color), Bi-color, or Metal.  Tables with B-surface tops are also available.

Free Online Portfolio Hosting & Portfolio Design Advice

Designing a portfolio can be both a rewarding and frustrating process. If you're a recent grad or an unfortunate victim of the economy looking for a job, you're probably laboring over your Interior Design Portfolio or Architecture Portfolio.  Have you considered posting your portfolio online? Aren't sure how or where to post it?   May I suggest Coroflot?   

Coroflot is a great resource for creating an online portfolio, has a great blog, Creative Seeds, and is the largest and most active job board for creatives from all industries.  I like oohing and aahing over the 3D work and seeing what others in my field are putting in their portfolios (Know Thy Competition). It's inspiring. It's informative. It's free!

While you're there, check out this post A portfolio doesn't speak for itself, by Jim Best of Pensa.  Although, Jim Best is an industrial designer, the concepts are universal.  Tips are short and to the point. This post has 12 fantastic tips that cover Portfolio Design, Resumes and Cover Letters.  Well worth the click. 

If you want some feedback on your portfolio, I'd love to take a look - send me a link or pdf.

Need more portfolio design advice? Get this book:

Portfolio Design, Third Edition by Harold Linton

Happy designing & job hunting!  

Cant is my favorite word.

I have an unexplainable attraction to all things cantilevered: stairs, cabinetry, pools, bridges, buildings, decks, chairs, if you can cant it, I love it!  That explains the pitter patter in my heart when I saw these beds designed by Daniele Lago for Lago, an Italian furniture manufacturer.

Clockwise from Left to Right: Fluttua, Fluttua Round,  Letto Air. & Tavolo Air, All by Lago.

Unfortunately, not all of the text translates into English & I can't understand a lick of Italian. But the cute animations helped me navigate the site & frankly- the work speaks for itself.  The Fluttua beds are supported by a single leg in the center.  The Letto & Tavolo Air Beds are supported by a clear material.  I'd love to own one of these beds, but first I need to find a place to store all that stuff under my bed...