Christine recently toured Boston Children’s Hospital and found this very interesting perpetual visual and auditory display in the main entrance lobby. This kinetic art form is used as a positive distraction for all patients and visitors.
Kimball Office Showroom Visit
Our designers were recently invited to tour the Kimball Office showroom in downtown Los Angeles. We gladly tested the different furniture pieces and furniture systems to have a better appreciation of their application in our projects.
While Marta relaxed in the comforts of the FIT Chair, Holly Rau of Kimball Office gave the team information about the very contemporary and configurable Villa Lounge as well as the Hum system which allows for individual and collaborative workspace activity. Thanks to Holly for the grand tour!
Awning Factory Tour
On a visit to a local awning factory, some of our team members were given a personal tour by Vatche Azirian, owner of Alpha Productions. We learned about the incredible history of this family-owned company and the process in which they customize their products for each client. In fact, the firm provided its stylish retractable awnings for the recent successful completion of the UC Irvine Medical Center Exterior Dining project.
Chapel of the Chimes
On a recent trip to northern California, Christine and Belinda visited the Chapel of the Chimes, a well-known structure that was expanded in 1926 by famed architect Julia Morgan. Ms. Morgan, whose credits include Hearst Castle, was commissioned to design and expand the facility which presently covers 1-1/2 city blocks. She designed an array of gardens, cloisters, alcoves, stairwells, fountains and chapels with vaulted ceilings illuminating the congregation with natural lighting. According to the tour guide, the chapel was the first to employ the usage of electronically controlled movable skylights. This building was designated a Distinguished Landmark by the City of Oakland in 1999 and it is truly worthy of that distinction.
Local Carpet Mill Tour
Christine and Linda recently participated in an IIDA-sponsored tour of Bentley Prince Street’s carpet mill – one of the few and the largest that exists locally in southern California. They witnessed first-hand tufting machines in action that create the carpets we specify as well as the on-site testing facility. Known for their sustainable products and processes in the industry, Bentley Prince Street’s mill also houses a spacious showroom and design studio. Inside the design studio, our team members viewed upcoming new products currently in development. Also as part of the tour, they attended a seminar regarding carpeting and adhesives and their contribution to the LEED point certification process. All in all, it was a fascinating and very educational day thanks to Deborah and Tom!
