Product Trends & Insights

What Is Your Sustainable Design Resolution for 2020?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 17:43:00 -0500

There’s no time like the start of a new year to commit to greener and more sustainable design practices. For inspiration, RECORD asked some of the judges in our annual Best Products competition to share their firms’ goals for improving material choices and product sourcing... Read More

MDF Made of Agricultural Waste

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 13:00:00 -0500

Using formerly worthless rice straw, CalPlant is pioneering an MDF manufacturing process that benefits agriculture and construction.

There’s a Growing Buzz about Sustainably Engineered Fiberboard

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 11:00:00 -0500

Architects and designers are revisiting this colorful alternative to MDF as greener, versatile, and more durable.

New Lutron Commercial Showroom in NYC Offers More than Product Displays

Lentzl@bnpmedia.com (Linda C. Lentz) — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 11:00:00 -0400

Hands-on demonstrations in authentic environments give designers a real sense of the company’s lighting capabilities.

A Pollution-Fighting Skin? Yes, There’s a Product for That

Fri, 27 Sep 2019 13:00:00 -0400

Manufacturing technology is creating grime fighting for surfaces ranging from cladding to roofing to paints.

The Gensler Effect: Does the Firm Have a Midas Touch in Product Design?

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 12:00:00 -0400

Gensler’s product-development team can cherry-pick manufacturers it wants to collaborate with. These companies, in turn, gain insight into what architects really need to source. Record interviewed Gensler’s director of product development Brandon Larcom about the program.

Can Design Save Retail? Carol Ross Barney and McDonald’s In-house Architect Consider the Options

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 13:00:00 -0400

Architect Carol Ross Barney and Maximiliano Carmona, McDonald’s senior director of global design and development, share their insights on strategies that can be employed across retail.

Perkins and Will’s Material Performance Lab Director Explains Why Specifiers Still Need Its Precautionary List

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 11:00:00 -0400

More than a decade after Perkins and Will launched an index of harmful substances found in building materials, architects still need the database to shed light on the impact of a products’ ingredients. Read more.

Lighting Designer Faith Baum Talks Trends and Technology for Urban Landscapes

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 00:00:00 -0400

Effective lighting schemes can enhance landmarks and skylines. To brush up on the trends defining cityscapes, RECORD interviewed Faith Baum, who merged her firm Illumination Arts with Horton Lees Brogdon (HLB), creating one of the largest woman-owned lighting design firms in North America. Read more.

Southeast Experiences Growth in Manufacturing

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 09:00:00 -0500

Manufacturing is booming in Georgia, Virginia, and the Carolinas. But challenges lie ahead.

Northeastern Manufacturing Sees Uptick in Activity

Sat, 01 Dec 2018 08:00:00 -0500

Manufacturing is booming in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York.

America's West Coast Sees Rise in Jobs, Wages, and Production Activity

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Manufacturers in Arizona, California, and Nevada are raving about the future of their businesses.

Manufacturing Industry Experienced Major Uptick in 2013

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 08:00:00 -0400

2013 represents a significant year for economic recovery in the manufacturing industry.

Manufacturing Jumps in the Northwest

Thu, 08 Mar 2018 08:00:00 -0500

In Idaho, Oregon and Washington, the Recession has run its course.