Whitney, Inc.

Interior Design Week in Illinois

2011-06-06T14:43:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest and greatest news from IIDC:
Just in time for NeoCon 2011!

GOVERNOR QUINN PROCLAIMS INTERIOR DESIGN WEEK IN ILLINOIS JUNE 12 - JUNE 18, 2011

Chicago, IL - The Illinois Interior Design Coalition (IIDC) is pleased to announce Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has proclaimed June 12 - 18, 2011 Interior Design Week in recognition of the contributions interior designers make to the state of Illinois. Interior Design Week will coincide with the 43rd annual NeoCon World's Trade Fair being held at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago June 13-15, 2011.

The proclamation notes interior design as a multi-faceted profession which applies both creative and technical solutions within structures to achieve functional, safe and aesthetically pleasing interior environments; recognizes Registered Interior Designers as professionals responsible for planning space and being attuned to architectural detailing as well as being educated in regulations set forth by construction and building codes; acknowledges the interior design profession's encouragement of the principles of environmental sustainability; and identifies the Interior Design Title Act which regulates the use of the title "Registered Interior Designer" by ensuring registered professionals comply with the strict licensing requirements based on education, experience and examination established in the interest of protecting the public's health, safety and welfare.

IIDC wishes to thank Governor Quinn for recognizing the profession of interior design as well as approximately 1,500 Registered Interior Designers practicing as registered professionals in the great state of Illinois.

In addition, IIDC is indebted to Senator Kimberly Lightford who continues to support legislation for the profession of interior design.

In recognition of Interior Design Week in Illinois, IIDC urges designers qualified by education, experience and examination to register with the state as a Registered Interior Designer. For more information on how to become a Registered Interior Designer, visit:
http://www.iidcpac.org/ or email IIDC at info@iidcpac.org.

IIDC is the legislative advocate dedicated to promoting, protecting and enhancing the interior design profession in the state of Illinois. The Illinois Interior Design Title Act prohibits anyone not registered with the state from using the title "Registered Interior Designer". For further information about IIDC or becoming a registered interior designer, contact IIDC at info@iidcpac.org or visit our website http://www.iidcpac.org/.

A new way to live

2010-12-21T14:34:00.000-08:00

This recent architectural graduate in China may be a prime candidate for "The Rent is Too High" party in New York. Unable to pay the high rent for an apartment in Beijing, he decided to build his own egg-shaped pod out of a bamboo frame, wood chip insulation, and sod cladding. The little sidewalk hosue even includes a solar panel which provides enough power for a light and some other electrical "necessities". I wonder if this will catch on in the US as people still struggle to pay for their rent in this recession...

getting the travel bug

2010-12-10T11:48:00.000-08:00

Hola Espana!

I hve always been a traveler, and when I finally took the plunge and booked my latest adventure- I knew I wanted it to be to Spain & Portugal. I was very excited to see and experience the diverse architecture & culture. Barcelona is home to many wonderful whimsical works by Antonio Gaudi, while traveling south through the Andalusia region, you can find some of the greatest examples of Moorish architecture. What amazed me most about all that I saw was the amount of detail. They cut no corners, spared no expense. Everything was thought through to the nth degree, from the mosaic tile patterns to the stained glass design, to ensuring even amounts of light spill into a room like at Casa Batllo.

Gaudi's Sagrada Familia is still being constructed from plans that he created to finish his masterpiece. It truly is a masterpiece in every sense of the word, from the flower like ceiling inside to the climbing spires & the massive metal carved doors, my favorite detail. His work can only be continued to be built through donations & grants. It is fascinating to visit the studio where they are actually building & constructing using Gaudi's own plans. It is my plan to visit Barcelona again when it is finally complete.

As a complete contrast to the Modernism & Art Nouveau Gaudi, the must-see place in Spain is La Alhambra de Granada. La Alhambra is a palace or fortress constructed in the 14th century by the Moorish rulers of the Nasrid dynasty. It covers a massive amount of ground, over 1.5 million square feet, with 6 palaces, spectacular sprawling gardens & pools, as well panoramic views of the city from atop the hill. It attracts millions of tourists every year and has become such a popular attraction that they limit the amount of visitors each day to the site.

Here's to the next adventure & inspiration.

2010-11-09T08:41:00.000-08:00

On November 2nd Whitney's own Design Director, Sal Graziano spoke to a group of industry professionals regarding cost effective ways to update an interior office space with longevity. The event was hosted by IFMA (International Facility Management Association) in the newly renovated Mr. David's Flooring International Ltd. in Itasca Illinois (shout out to Samantha Wenzel and the Mr. David's project team!)

Sal discussed how updating the right elements in an interior space can have a large impact on the space, without having a large impact on the budget. Incorporating energy efficient light fixtures, neutral colors, and timeless architecture and patterns can help the space hold up to evolving design trends for years. Minimal upgrades to the ceiling tile, accent lighting, flooring pattern and/or wall colors can rejuvenate an interior that otherwise may have been gutted for a fresh look. Upgrades to the lighting will not only help the look of the space, but can also provide long term energy cost savings if more efficient fixtures are used.

With over 30 years of experience in the field, Sal prides himself on staying on top of the latest industry trends. We at Whitney are extremely lucky to have such a wealth of knowledge to draw from on a daily basis.

Great job Sal!

2010-10-19T07:22:00.000-07:00

On 10.10.10 communities across the world came together for the largest day of global political action in history. Approx. 7,380 work parties in 188 countries were organized by people hoping to inspire meaningful change in climate awareness and action. Fueled by the 350.org movement, Whitney partnered with the Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition to organize a tree planting event that provided ten residential homes with American Linden trees donated by Shemin Nurseries. Those trees will provide shade and energy savings for homeowners for years to come.

Sustainability is a vital part of Whitney’s everyday business, as we constantly look for environmentally conscious architectural solutions for our clients. As designers, we have a great responsibility and opportunity to inspire change and inform our clients of new sustainable strategies and products. This process can sometimes be long and difficult, as financial motives often drive decisions over “feel good” incentives. This was our opportunity to get our hands dirty and truly practice what we preach, even if in a somewhat symbolic fashion. Informative action and spreading awareness in our communities is crucial for us to make a dent in solving the environmental crisis we face today. Hopefully events like this will get people talking across the nation, and inspire them to get to work on creating real change in our world.

On the morning of 10.10.10, a group of twenty Whitney employees, friends and family gathered to go over our tree planting game plan. Armed with spiffy matching t-shirts and detailed hand-drawn diagrams created by our very own tree planting expert Mark Stenftenagel, we split up into 5 teams that would each tackle planting two trees at two Elmhurst homes. Each yard was marked by the city arborist to pinpoint the most environmentally beneficial planting spot, where the tree would provide the most shaded relief from the hot sun. It has been proven that when a tree is planted on the west side of a home it has six times the carbon sequestration of a tree planted in the open.

Upon arriving at the selected homeowners’ lots, we got to digging holes approximately 3’ deep and 4’ in diameter, as the sun kept us warm all day. We even enjoyed the assistance of a few little helpers who were beyond excited about helping dig the hole for their very own tree. We are certain all the enthusiasm and excitement of our young assistants was due to carbon emission reduction and not the long, slimy worms crawling out of the clay dirt. After hours of Whitney crew members digging, watering and hauling dirt and fertilizer, the homeowners were thrilled to have a beautiful new tree in their yard and to be able to say that they took part in the 350.org global work party.

At the end of a fun-filled and productive day, the teams rejoined at one of Elmhurst’s favorite pubs, where thrills, trials and tribulations were shared over a celebratory drink. The event was a great success and it will be one of many similar green community events organized by Whitney in the future. It feels great being able to make a difference in our local communities and to spread awareness to the realities of our challenges, in efforts to protect the environment and our future.

- Whitney Green Committee

Inner City Impact

2010-09-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

Whitney and its team members are involved in many charities and organizations, such as Junior Achievement of Chicago, City of Hope, the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and Onward House. Continuing with our efforts to give back to the community, we've teamed up with Inner City Impact to help them with their new facility.

Inner City Impact is a non-for-profit organization dedicated to helping get children off the streets. It has served the inner city of Chicago since 1972. Committed staff reach kids ages 5 to 18 in some of Chicago's toughest neighborhoods- Humboldt Park, Logan Square, and Cicero. Through Inner City Impact's core programs, dedicated full-time missionaries and volunteers work with children in Bible studies, one-on-one discipleship, and in a variety of other Christ-centered, wholesome, and fun activities.

Their new facility will be built in Cicero and will offer children and teens a place in which to retreat. It will include private tutoring rooms, an arts and crafts center, lounge, worship center, classrooms, sports facility, and game room. This project is being made possible only through the help of others in the community. Despite the current economic hardship, many of the building materials and construction services have been donated.

If you would like to donate to this great organization or for more information, please visit Inner City Impact

searching for inspiration

2010-09-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

As designers, we're constantly looking for ways to inspire ourselves. It can be in fashion, art, architecture, history, movies, or for some of us at Whitney, the latest issue of Azure Magazine. Design is always evolving and its nice to see people who 'think outside the box'. Take a look at some design we're inspired by. (Soft Citizen's office in Toronto & Rainbow Cleaners)

STITCH 2010

2010-09-07T08:50:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Whitney & the STITCH committee on taking home the Clutch Award for Best Concept to Creation!! Special thanks to our sponsors Steelcase, DesignTex, & Coalesse. The theme of this year's event was 'Through the Decades'. We chose to draw our inspiration from the 1770's. Here is the description of our winning garment:

The inspiration for this gown came from France's most famous teenage queen, Marie Antoinette. Like all the teenagers she obsessed over hairstyle and clothing fads. Excessive was the name of the game during this Rococco style period. Glitzy dress? Make it bolder. Tall hair? Make it taller. Too boring? Add a birdcage with birds.

Of course, ruling the royal court becomes a simple task when you have rich, luxurious fabrics by DesignTex. And what better way to boost your derriere than by incorporating a frame made from the very thing it sits on: an outdoor chair from the Emu collection by Coalesse. To finish it off, accessories by Steelcase are sure to bring any reign of terror to an end.
The embellished fan was more than a stylish accessory. It was used for communication to send a message across a crowded ballroom. In the language of the fan it was essential that you knew your left from your right.
Touching the right cheek meant "yes"
Touching the left cheek meant "no"
Drawing across the cheek said "I love you"
This period ensemble will start up a revolution, and is sure to make any young lady look.... be-heading.

we've been busy!

2010-08-31T09:02:00.001-07:00

It's been a busy 2010 for Whitney thus far. We recently photographed three of our latest projects: Valspar, Polsinelli & Shughart, and Mr. David's Flooring Showroom. Check out our website for updates & more photos soon!

Come golfing at the Mart & support IIDC!

2010-03-15T10:24:00.000-07:00

Next Thursday, March 25th, is the 7th Annual Mini Masters at the Mart! It is held on the contract floors at the Merchandise Mart. Showrooms sponsor miniature golf holes designed and constructed by Chicago designers & students with the help from manufacturers and contractors. The creatively designed golf holes never cease to amaze the players & spectators. There will be watering holes & food carts spread throughout the course with the night ending with a 19th Hole party, where there will be music, fun, & mingling!

This fun event supports IIDC, the Illinois Interior Design Coalition.

IIDC is a not-for-profit legislative political action committee whose membership activities are supported solely by individual and corporate donations.

Their mission is to protect the integrity of the Interior Design Title Act. For those of you who are not aware of this act, the Interior Design Title act prohibits anyone not registered by the state from representing or identifying him/herself as a "Registered Interior Designer" or "Registered Residential Interior Designer". The Title Act assures regulation of design affecting the public's life, health, safety & welfare through state established criteria for education, experience, and examination. IIDC is always welcoming new members and is open to all interior designers and those in related fields. IIDC is comprised of concerned professionals who volunteer their time, money, and a lot of effort to protect our right to practice Interior Design in the state of Illinois. All membership dues and contributions are applied directly to legislative efforts, lobbyists, legal fees, campaign contributions, and mailings.

Mini Masters is a great event and way to support the continued efforts that IIDC provides the interior design community. If you are interested in attending this event, please see their registration form below. You can create your own foursome or just attend as a spectator! While the Mini Masters is one way you can support IIDC, they gladly accept donations at any time. For more information on IIDC, please visit their website at http://www.iidcpac.org/. Hope to see you there!

STITCH

2009-10-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

Every year design firms around the Chicago area spend hours and hours working on one-of-a-kind garments for IIDA's STITCH Fashion Show & Charity Event. It’s a favorite event among designers and we look forward to seeing what crazy new creation someone has come up with this year. All proceeds from the event went to Designs 4 Dignity, an organization dedicated to bringing creative environments to non-profit organizations through pro bono design services and in-kind donations. This year, there was a theme, “Black & White and STITCHed All Over”. Whitney was sponsored by Momentum Textiles who have a great black & white fabric collection made for this dress. There are so many different directions you could go with this theme, but Thom’s first idea that popped into his ahead was a nun. Yes, a nun that transforms into a vixen. I’m sure you’ve got to be thinking, what?! So did I, but once I saw his conceptual sketch I thought the idea was extremely clever. Every detail down to the makeup, the headpiece, and even a necklace made by Melissa was thought through (as only all designers can’t help but do).

Everything really came together the night of the Fashion Show. Once I had my garment securely on, my makeup done, and my headpiece pinned into my hair, I was set to go walk the runway. What the audience and hundreds of my industry peers didn’t see was the fun all of us models had backstage while we waited for the show to begin. I met all of the people around me and everyone was extremely encouraging of each other. There were sing-a-longs to “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas, mini dance parties, and even some last minute wardrobe malfunctions which we all were there to help with. I really was happy to be apart of such a fun evening and enjoyed strutting my stuff. I’d like to especially thank everyone from the STITCH committee for making the night so successful: Thom, the mastermind, Melissa, my trusty assistant, Heather, Amy, Suzanne, Lisa & the rest of the Momentum team, and everyone else from Whitney who came and supported me. Take a look at some photos from the event at Park West in Lincoln Park!

- Kate