Vectorworks is an award-winning design and BIM software provider serving several industries in 85 countries. Built with designers in mind, Vectorworks software offers the freedom to follow your imagination wherever it leads you and presents a platform built to deliver absolute creative expression and maximum efficiency. Globally, more than 685,000 users are creating, connecting, and influencing the next generation of design with Vectorworks on Mac and Windows.
Since its founding in 1985, Vectorworks’ software has always been a 3D modelling program devoted to helping designers express their visions more clearly to their clients and collaborators and to design without limits.
From the beginning, Vectorworks has played a critical role in the CAD field, having created one of the very first CAD programs, one of the first 3D modelling programs, the most successful CAD software for the Mac OS, and the first cross-platform CAD application to market. Vectorworks was also one of the first in the design industry to introduce BIM capabilities to our software offerings and was the first major BIM authoring platform to run natively on Apple’s M1 Family of Chips.
Today Vectorworks has evolved into a sophisticated suite of products that address a wide range of needs, from fundamental drafting and modelling to advanced design, documentation, and analysis.
Our product, Vectorworks Architect, allows interior designers to collaborate with other project stakeholders in one central platform, minimising errors that can occur when transferring between various platforms and software programs.
Vectorworks Architect also provides interior designers with built-in templates and reports to assist with not only commencing projects but also with the ease of extracting relevant and needed information.
The simplicity of the interface allows for the incorporation of plug-in tools from a wide range of partners to make the design process a complete one. From space planning layouts, design intent drawings, and construction drawings to spreadsheets and rendering capabilities, Vectorworks Architect includes a wide range of resources, ensuring you have the best possible opportunity to convey your design idea to your customer.
Vectorworks’ software offers designers new tools and resources built on cutting-edge technology. These advances allow users to showcase their designs to clients in new and exciting ways. For instance, our recently updated Nomad mobile app features Apple's room scanning framework, RoomPlan, allowing users to quickly scan an existing room layout using their iOS mobile device to create a robust reality capture that is accessible and easy to use. Plus, presentations for tours and boards created in Vectorworks Cloud Services can be shared with collaborators and clients with a QR code, link, or email.
Vectorworks offers improved accuracy throughout the full design process compared to older, traditional processes. Data management, visualisation, and revisions are all simplified by offering and centralising everything in one comprehensive program.
In addition, Vectorworks is known for its flexible approach to designing, with a wide range of modelling capabilities such as history modelling, Nurbs, subdivision, and parametric tools capabilities. Designers can spend more time designing without letting their software or tools hinder their creativity.
As a company, we work with interior designers in many ways, and as an industry specialist, I have the chance to speak to designers on a regular basis. We have online and in-person training opportunities from one on one to group sessions. Vectorworks University also allows designers to learn on their own schedule and obtain necessary certifications.
For companies that are transitioning to Vectorworks, we also over a tailored approach with support to get the workforce up and running in a very efficient way through consultancy.
By joining organisations such as SBID and attending tradeshows, we frequently network with designers from various sectors, such as residential, retail, hospitality, commercial, and more. It gives us a chance to hear feedback and ensures our software is always evolving to include new features.
To conclude, as one of our company’s core values, inclusion is something we continue to strive to promote and foster. As part of this, our DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Committee is dedicated to supporting the interiors sector by sponsoring or donating to charities and initiatives looking to improve access to this industry for all individuals. For example, so far, we have worked with the United in Design Charity, and we continue to remain open to additional opportunities to get involved and give back.
It’s very hard to select just one highlight as we’ve had many exciting developments over the past year. We launched the latest version of our software, Vectorworks 2023, which focused on reengineering some of the core architectural tools, expanding our interoperability with additional file format imports, and offering additional modelling capabilities for quicker design creation.
The launch of this release also included a customer Design Day event at Euston Square, London. This event offered designers the opportunity to speak directly to Vectorworks CEO Dr. Biplab Sarkar and other executives about their experience with the software.
In addition, we launched our Vectorworks Embodied Carbon Calculator (VECC) to assist designers in their steps to design and execute more sustainable projects.
We also successfully changed our purchasing options to subscriptions, giving customers the freedom to manage their licences as their workload pauses or expands.
The list continues, however, the final highlight I would like to mention is our sixth Vectorworks Design Scholarship. There were over 1,000 submissions and scholarships were awarded to 30 students for 22 projects in the architecture, interior design, landscape, and entertainment industries.
The winning project of this year's grand prize was interiors focused, with Michelle Wanitzek taking home the coveted Richard Diehl Award for her project ‘Nomad Coworking.’
In the past year, there were a lot of requests for Crittall openings; doors and windows, and an increase in setting up company standards to improve efficiency.
However, one of the latest trends I have noticed this year is a demand for extracting data from a CAD/BIM model.
Once the designer has conceptualised their project within Vectorworks, with custom data attached and object parameters set, exporting the necessary information to create types or reports, schedules, and legends is fairly straightforward.
We currently have many tutorials and webinars focused on the topic of data within Vectorworks University for those who want to elevate to the next step.
There has been a lot of discussion regarding reducing our carbon footprint in all the various industries we support, and the interiors section is no different; whether it’s at a tradeshow or through a customer project – I can see that there is an emphasis on doing better for the planet and making a difference, with a circular design; reusing, recycling and innovating new products from waste. There is a sense of urgency regarding sustainability, and I believe this will continue.
In addition, we are still recovering from the pandemic and developing new ways of living and working. There is also a need to create spaces that sustain an excellent quality of well-being and wellness. So, whether the focus is on air, light quality or just making sure that there is a varied layout option to suit the different business and social needs, adaptability and flexibility are key.
We recently transitioned our purchasing options to subscription licences, which can be purchased directly from our website. This is extremely exciting because we have the opportunity to release new tools and features more frequently. Not only that, but this has been a popular request from freelancers and sole practitioners over the past several years. Now, these designers can factor the lower subscription fees directly into their business structure as they work on various projects.
Moreover, at the moment, there seems to be a real buzz around the hospitality and retail industries and using those industries to drive consumers back out. This is especially exciting for me as I will be creating a new example file for designers in these sectors with specific tips and tricks so that they can continue to design as effectively as possible.
For other sectors, there are also example files on Vectorworks University, so I encourage everyone to explore those resources.
As an individual and an interior architect, the SBID offers a wide range of network opportunities that allow me to be among like-minded people and discuss topics that affect our industry.
As a company, it means a lot to support and maintain the quality of the industry by offering high-caliber CPDs and training amongst the members.
Questions answered by;
Kesoon Chance
Senior Industry Specialist – Interiors, Vectorworks
About Vectorworks
Exceptional design demands exceptional tools - a platform built to deliver absolute creative expression and maximum efficiency. Vectorworks believe your design software should offer the freedom to follow your imagination wherever it may lead you, to seamlessly share your vision at any phase, and to easily interpret the information needed to make the smartest decisions every time.
If you’d like to feature your project news here, get in touch to find out more.
If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.
There’s a certain wisdom in trust — whether it be trusting a friend, trusting the weatherperson’s report, or in the case of Geneviève Raynauld of Nine Design, trusting the full capabilities of Vectorworks Architect.
Raynauld and her Montreal-based design firm have long used Vectorworks for their commercial and residential interior design projects. In fact, Raynauld has used Vectorworks since it was MiniCAD in the ‘90s.
Raynauld has decided that she and her firm will begin to adopt Vectorworks Architect’s BIM capabilities, a decision that’s offered the firm the ability to make more informed design decisions as well as engage in data-driven collaboration processes with consultants.
The decision to take a more wholistic approach to her firm’s design workflow was a result of Raynauld attending Vectorworks’ 2018 Design Summit, claiming that she realized she was only using about ten percent of the software. “I got frustrated not being able to use every aspect of Vectorworks.”
Now, Raynauld and her team are pushing the software where she wants it to go, creating 3D files with greater levels of detail, data, and documentation.
“Everything is so much easier in 3D,” said Raynauld, citing a desire to render beautifully and better sell projects to clients. “Not everybody has the capacity to bring a 3D model into their mind.”
Raynauld described the enhanced visuals of her new 3D models with colorful words like “warmth” and “candy.” No longer does she have to simply hope clients feel attached to a cold 2D floorplan.
These little bits of “candy” are added to viewports that are used to present all the visual and informational details that compose a design. Renderings, images, samples, tables, worksheets, and other forms of information can be added to these viewports — creating a fully-fleshed out version of Raynauld’s design intent.
“Key plans” also exist in Raynauld’s viewports, indicating which floor of a building the viewer is currently seeing. This is just another example of how you can add detailed, graphical information to your documents, and, as the designer points out, this kind of inclusion wouldn’t be possible without a 3D BIM model.
With their larger projects especially, Raynauld and her staff must collaborate with architects, engineers, and other consultants to deliver a coordinated interior solution.
And Raynauld is in good hands — Vectorworks Architect has a wide range of import options that includes DWG files.
Raynauld and her team reference DWG files into Vectorworks, using the reference as a background that informs their work. Once they complete the first design iteration, the team exports the file to DWG for use by consultants. The exported DWG file contains valuable project information and coordination markers.
The next step, she indicated, was maximizing the use of consultant files. “I wanted to get more from the models that [the collaborators] were sending me,” she said.
“I’m motivated by my work,” said Raynauld. “So, I’m motivated to advance and improve my BIM capacity. It has a direct impact on our rendering skills and everything that brings the ‘wow’ effect to the interior design.”
Nine Design’s most recent project is the eight-story, 120-unit DDO multiplex design in West Island, Montreal.
The design throughout the building is characterized by a neutral color palette and natural materials. Such a design choice was the result of the “social temperature” and her own personal headspace during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Raynauld. “It’s a contrast with all the controversy in society. It’s really to bring clarity and light when everything feels so confusing and shady.”
To take the socially conscious nature of the project one step further, Raynauld and Nine Design worked with an eco-friendly, carbon-neutral line of carpet. And, because they’re now using a BIM workflow, details like color and materials have associated data within Nine Design’s models.
With DDO, Vectorworks has helped Nine Design create beautiful presentations with efficient execution, as well as continue their mission: “we create designs that stand out for their harmony between audacity and elegance that will stand the test of time.”
Raynauld knows that there’s still room for her firm to grow in their implementation of BIM processes, saying that she’d love to use more IFC models to collaborate with other professionals and consultants. “Sometimes an engineer might change the thickness of a slab, for example,” said Raynauld. “That’s where I’d love to be able to work with BIM and an IFC model. I would be able to make sure all my other measurements and details are still good!”
“I’m really passionate about Vectorworks,” said Raynauld. And it shows; Nine Design are designing, documenting, and collaborating better than ever before.
Exceptional design demands exceptional tools – a platform built to deliver absolute creative expression and maximum efficiency. Vectorworks believe your design software should offer the freedom to follow your imagination wherever it may lead you, to seamlessly share your vision at any phase, and to easily interpret the information needed to make the smartest decisions every time.
No bathroom is complete without a mirror, and RAK Ceramics ensures that including this essential accessory as part of a purchase is no hard sale, with several new additions to its collection.
In a choice of stylish finishes to combine seamlessly with any décor, the new RAK-Art and RAK-Picture mirrors come with Chrome, Matt Black, Brushed Nickel and Brushed Gold. This enables them to be chosen to match the bathroom’s brassware, extending the sale and ensuring retailers can value up.
Both ranges feature four shapes – Round, Square, Soft and Oval – and have LED lighting, a demister pad and touch sensor activation, bringing the latest bathroom technology into the home in a seamless way.
Also new to the RAK Ceramics mirrors collection is RAK-Ornate, available in the same choice of finishes and with the same technological features. The RAK-Ornate mirror has an integrated shelf for handy storage of bathroom essentials, making it the perfect addition to a master ensuite for a hotel-inspired look.
About RAK Ceramics
RAK Ceramics is one of the largest ceramics’ brands in the world. Specialising in ceramic and grès porcelain wall and floor tiles, tableware, sanitaryware and faucets, the company has the capacity to produce 123 million square metres of tiles, 5 million pieces of sanitaryware, 24 million pieces of porcelain tableware and 1 million pieces of faucets per year at its 22 state-of-the-art plants across the United Arab Emirates, India and Bangladesh. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, RAK Ceramics serves clients in more than 150 countries through its network of operational hubs in Europe, Middle East and North Africa, Asia, North and South America and Australia.
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In this week's interview with SBID Awards Interior Design judge, Director of Research at Brunel Design School and Brunel University London, Vanja Garaj discusses the use of technology in design and how it affects every aspect of the industry. He also shares what he is most interested to see in this year's Awards design submissions!
For me, the baseline for good design still is the famous: “form follows function”, which absolutely must come hand in hand with human-centredness and preferably extend into the “less is more” aesthetics. However, the real power stems from the big idea or, at least, a spark of design innovation that sets the product apart in terms of use scenario, functionality, materials, technology solutions and/or form factor.
My judging process is informed by the experience of practicing, researching and teaching design over the years. By combining these activities, I keep up to date with the latest developments and trends. As a designer, I am particularly interested in the interplay between design and technology and the design-led technology innovation that can improve the quality of life in its various aspects. This interest guides what I am looking for in the designs submitted to the SBID Awards.
Technological innovation can greatly facilitate the design process; e.g., the immersive technologies of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are very handy when it comes to conceptualising and visualising new interior design ideas and communicating or co-creating the ideas with clients.
I am also curious to see how the immersive tech-powered Metaverse will develop in the future and to what extent it may become a venue for interior designers to practice their trade. This social 3D digital “real estate” and its promised fully functioning economy may create demand for the design of virtual interiors for the “living” and working spaces within the platform. Some interior design professionals are already getting ready to benefit from this potential opportunity; e.g., see here.
The environments will become ever smarter, with the advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) permitting us to achieve even better energy efficiency and further improve the ability to personalise interiors for comfort and well-being (e.g., air quality) and visual ambience (e.g., lighting).
There are also advances in biophilia and biomimicry and the application of these concepts and the related technologies in interior design. Both concepts promote sustainability and it would therefore be extremely useful to have them gain more traction within the interior design profession. Having said that, I was really pleased to see Ko Tu Elpo – “a smart air biofilter that improves indoor air quality by combining technology and the power of nature”, win in the Interior Technology category at the SBID Awards 2021 for Product Design.
It is very important to clearly present the novelty and innovative aspects of the submitted work. Why do you think your design stands out in the market?
Questions answered by Dr Vanja Garaj, Director of Research, Brunel Design School and Brunel University London.
Dr Vanja Garaj is Head of Design at Brunel University London, where he also contributes to the Professional Design Studio module within the MSc Integrated Product Design programme.
Dr Garaj’s research is aimed at design, development and evaluation of innovative systems, products and services, with the focus on digital and digital-physical domains and the application of the latest technology.
In this week's interview with SBID Awards Interior Design judge and Design Director EMEA at Tetris, Nuno Fernandes discusses the connection between technology and built environments. He shares his insights on specifying products for different environments and gives valuable advice for approaching design projects.
Innovation is the overarching priority when responding to our clients. Now more than ever it’s about connecting people to the building be that a residence or an office and technology should make people’s lives comfortable and easy.
The metaverse really opens a whole new world of work opportunities for designers and architects. We can now also offer our clients a digital experience as there will be a transition between physical and digital in our day to day lives moving forward. Perhaps, for culture and identity consistency, those two projects are designed concurrently.
Yes, it differs. Whereas in hospitality there is a big effort in economy of scale and procurement optimization, for retail, at the high end as is our case, many elements are custom built or even one-off’s. Workplace product specifying is now becoming much more diverse meaning that in one project we have now more products driven by all the different work environments within the same project.
A combination of rational and emotional is our weapon. Our designs should be anchored on the needs of the clients and the users of that space hence why our design is data driven, we then love to tell a story that meets the business and users’ needs while close to their hearts.
Always push your concepts beyond your comfort zone, design is about innovation whilst providing a solution.
Questions answered by Nuno Fernandes, Design Director EMEA, Tetris.
We don’t just create inspiring spaces for businesses. We create inspiring places for people. As a leading design and build company with global reach, we create environments that are beautiful, functional, inspirational and sustainable. We deliver our services to businesses of all sizes on projects in the office, retail and hotel sectors, among others, counting many of the world’s most iconic brands as our clients.
In this week's interview with 2021 SBID Awards winners of the Interior Fittings category, Finfort, discuss the complexity of their product, share tips on creating convenient and consumer-focused products, as well as the key considerations to have in mind when approaching the specification of security solutions.
SBID Awards Category: Interior Fittings
Practice: Finfort
Entry: FinBolt Triple Door Set
Entering the ‘SBID Awards’ was without a doubt, the best decision Finfort made in 2021! The ‘SBID Awards’ recognise and celebrate the value of design and innovation - so having launched our innovative range of elegant high security door locks with automatic deadbolts in 2020, we were naturally very keen to be part of it. The awards also provided the perfect opportunity for us to proudly showcase our exciting new designs to the interior design industry.
We were thrilled to discover our FinBolt Triple Door Lock set won the SBID Product Design Award for the interior fittings category. Not only did the award help boost our credibility as authentic and trusted innovators, but it also demonstrated the high-end quality of our products whilst providing an invaluable level of media exposure. This really helped us gain traction as an emerging brand.
The FinBolt lock is a major innovation in door security, combining ultra-safe convenience and beautiful craftsmanship. The award winning FinBolt Triple Door Set makes it possible to secure a door at multiple points, with independently operating locks which automatically deadbolt every time the door is closed. With the FinBolt lock, busy homeowners never need to worry about whether they’ve locked their doors properly again! Once the door is closed, it’s totally secure - without ever needing to turn a key! Not only is it functional, but it’s aesthetically pleasing, with the FinBolt Triple Door Set proving high security doesn’t have to mean ugly! FinBolt’s visible door furniture is boastfully sleek, elegant and complimentary of any door. We think it’s this combination of beautiful aesthetics and unparalleled functional delivery that makes this a standout product.
As with all our products, we’re proud to start with the needs of the consumer. In this case, a need for convenient high-end security was our starting point. When our co-founder (and architect) Timothy Finn couldn’t find a recessed automatic deadbolt for a client who was always too busy to lock his door properly, he engaged his passion for engineering and set about designing it himself!
Product development involved several iterations of designing, patent application, prototyping and testing to ensure the product worked flawlessly and also conformed to the rigorous British standards. We’re particularly proud that the FinBolt is manufactured in the UK, leveraging expert craftsmanship and the very best of British engineering.
We will also always be committed to refining our designs to perfection, so we sought technical feedback from 100s of locksmiths, by exhibiting prototypes at the Master Locksmith Association Expo Trade Shows in 2019, and we were both thrilled and honoured to receive their ‘Best Product Award’. We were grateful to have also collaborated with The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers, who provided valuable input on the technical challenge of offering bespoke finishes!
Ultimately, key to producing an effective security mechanism is a consistently reliable automatic deadbolt – something we’ve managed to achieve through our patented ‘trigger and bolt’ balanced action, together with a high-security cylinder and key registration.
It’s simple…high-security, user convenience and an aesthetic fit.
There are several high-security door locks available on the market (look for the ‘British Standard’ certification); however, very few deliver the convenience of automatic locking whilst fitting the aesthetics of a classic British door. Think about the average homeowner for a moment – busy people with busy lifestyles. There’s little value in installing high-security manual locks which require specific effort to secure, each and every time you want to leave the house. It’s inevitable that you’ll forget at some stage, leaving your home and its contents vulnerable. Furthermore, your door can set the aesthetic tone for the rest of your home, so door furniture and finish is critically important. Even a slight mismatch of colour will ruin the overall impact and leave homeowners frustrated. This is why all six FinBolt finishes have been perfectly colour matched to the extensive M. Marcus Heritage Brass Ironmongery range for a stunning and perfectly matched finish.
Since the SBID Awards last October, we’ve been collaborating with Avocet ABS (our cylinder supplier) to increase the range of standard finishes we can offer to our customers. The FinBolt Triple Door Set with 3 star kitemarked cylinders from Avocet ABS will shortly be available in 6 finishes, which includes the very popular Antique Brass and Matt Bronze. We’re very excited to now be seeing our ethos of bringing security and style together, coming to fruition!
We also have two new product designs underway: a fire-tested automatic deadbolt lock for apartment doors, and a high security lock case that integrates the FinBolt automatic deadbolt with smart handles, combining the ease of smart keyless entry, with mechanical automatic deadbolting!
Keep the needs and wants of the ultimate end-user at the forefront of your mind, whilst aiming for that perfect balance between function and aesthetics! There will always be an appetite for convenient, beautiful designs which enhance people’s lives. Product design (especially highly technical design) can be arduous and requires tenacity to really challenge the status quo and find better, aesthetically pleasing solutions which ultimately satisfy the consumer.
Questions answered by Timothy Finn, Founder, and Hilary Duggan, Co-Founder, Finfort.
Established by Timothy Finn & Hilary Duggan, Finfort is a disruptor within the security industry and strives to design the most innovative, highest security, beautiful door locking solutions in the UK.
If you missed last week's Interview with the Fit Out Contractor of the Year – Workplace category winner Modus Workspace, click here to read it.
This week's instalment of SBID's Product of the Week series features a luxurious piano design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Edelweiss Pianos.
SBID Awards Category: Interior Technology
Practice: Edelweiss Pianos
Project: The SOLIS
The SOLIS was hand-built in the UK by Cambridge based piano makers Edelweiss. The SOLIS is the one of a kind design from the ‘Goldfinch’ designer range of self-play pianos. Exclusively created for a California residence this majestic piano symbolises the setting sun across the Nevada desert.
A semi-circular piano has a butterfly lid that is unique to Edelweiss Pianos. The SOLIS seamlessly holds a self-play system and is highly specified with a carbon fibre composite mechanism, a perma-formed soundboard, and a custom produced keyboard with sustainably sourced exotic wood sharps.
The SBID International Design Awards programme serves to recognise, reward and celebrate design excellence across a broad range of categories spanning Interior Design, Product Design and Fit-Out. Click here to find out more.
Shared workspace provider Clockwise has arrived in the capital with expansive new offices in the Wood Green area of North London to provide an alternative location for city workers and businesses.
Measuring 32,000 sq. ft across five floors, the bright, airy offices feature two rooftop terraces with stunning views of Alexandra Palace, and plenty of event spaces, breakout areas and kitchenettes.
Designed to support the differing working methods brought on by the pandemic, Clockwise Wood Green is comprised of 664 desks, with technology to support hybrid teams and a range of spaces to work in, from meeting rooms to lounges.
Working with leading architect Hawkins\Brown and SBID Accredited fit-out specialists Portview, the shared offices took inspiration from the surrounding area and local community by incorporating abstract artwork from neighbourhood artists into the design.
Referencing the green spaces of Alexandra Park, Clockwise Wood Green has adopted a biophilic aesthetic with a statement ‘living wall’ of plants spanning the full height of the central atrium. By breathing oxygen into the surrounding spaces, the ample use of flowers and foliage help to promote a healing, peaceful working environment, which in turn improves memory, cognitive function and productivity.
Portview worked closely with Hawkins/Brown to design an intricate framing system that enabled them to manufacture the large garden trellis offsite, so the living wall could be transported and installed quickly, seamlessly and without complication.
Portview Contracts Director, Sean McEvoy said: “It’s been a really rewarding project to work on, particularly during a time when the role and design of future workspaces is being reimagined across the industry. Hawkins/Brown have already paved the way in this sector by designing a workspace that will appeal to both current and future generations, where wellbeing, sustainability and flexible working take centre stage.
“By collaborating with the client and design team, we were able to come up with innovative fit-out solutions to achieve their project aspirations and realise their vision. This includes establishing closed-loop solutions that reduced waste and benefitted the local community by either restoring, recycling, donating or repurposing old materials that otherwise would have ended up in landfill.
“We’re hugely proud of what we have achieved here and have no doubt people will love working in the space as much as we enjoyed building it.”
To reduce carbon emissions, the redevelopment of the building focused on retaining its original character, whilst adding a new design aesthetic. To do this, Portview stripped the building back to its original steel and concrete core and refurbished the interior with post-modern finishes to reference those who originally inhabited the building.
The new design aesthetic boasts playful geometric shapes and an earthy colour palette of pastel and teal tones to give the offices a fresh and domestic feel, as embodied by a statement reception area which has been finished in bespoke cream and pale terrazzo.
Retaining the existing building and some of the original services helped to reduce carbon emissions throughout the fit-out, while furniture and finishes were sourced from sustainable suppliers to help achieve BREEAM ‘Very Good’ standards.
Chief Operating Officer of Clockwise, Alex Brunner said: “What’s really special about this building is the design and the high level of finish. It involved Hawkins/Brown, Portview and ourselves jointly believing in the same vision to create workspaces that really function within our needs as human beings. It’s a home for work. As simple as that.”
About Portview
Portview is a leading fit-out specialist that has been transforming ambitious design concepts into reality since 1975. With teams covering the whole of the UK and Ireland, Portview manages projects of all shapes and sizes, including major refurbishment and roll-out contracts. Services include design development, planning approval, technical surveys, project management, contracting and fit-out.
About Clockwise
Clockwise provide well-designed, contemporary private offices, shared workspaces and meeting rooms with brilliantly flexible membership plans. They zero in on the details, so users can zoom out to the big picture. Clockwise make sure everything works, so users can do their best work.
If you’d like to feature your projects on SBID, get in touch to find out more.
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This month's product news highights from SBID members explores the latest luxurious textures and captivating prints, with new smart technologies for the bathroom and functional design solutions for the workspace; from ergonomic office chairs to intelligent toilet technology.
New for 2021, Kinesit Met is a sophisticated evolution of the Kinesit office chair, now available in a refreshed palette. Created as Arper’s first regulatory-compliant office chair, Kinesit Met is available with metallic finished armrests and in new, rich and nuanced materials, colors, and textures. Inspired by the contemporary moment and the evolution in our workplaces and spaces, Kinesit Met is designed for how (and where) we work today – softer, adaptable, and from anywhere. This new palette selection adds refinement and style to imbedded soft technology, marrying performance and style in a sleek silhouette. Design has come home.
Light and minimal in design, Kinesit Met features built-in mechanisms hidden discreetly under the seat. An invisible, adjustable lumbar support is concealed within the backrest’s thin frame to give additional flexibility and comfort. Kinesit Met is available in a low or medium back option customisable in a range of textured and shaded fabric options. Aluminum armrests and base are available in metallic finish options of copper, light grey and anthracite.
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The rimless, wall hung Veil WC by international bathroom brand, Kohler integrates motion-activated hands free opening, closing and flushing for a complete sanitary experience. For a personalised user experience, a stainless steel cleansing wand adjusts the water spray temperature, shape and position; whilst a UV light and electrolysed water sanitises the wand’s surfaces providing a fully-integrated self-clean system.
The intelligent Veil toilet incorporates a warm glow nightlight and a heated seat that is made from antibacterial materials. Front and rear wash modes and a warm air-drying system also benefit from adjustable temperature settings to ensure a comfortable experience. With an ergonomic seat design to ensure complete comfort, Veil’s seamless finish offers a luxurious yet practical addition to any high-end bathroom.
Sleek woodgrains are combined with a subtle overprint. LACEWOOD takes inspiration from classic oak, ash or cedar. Smooth and unadorned Lacewood provides a seamless pared-down backdrop, while LACEWOOD GEO features geometric lines in matt and burnished metallic inks to give a contemporary twist with biophilic pattern.
Driftwood white and the warmth of oak are offered alongside the rich, intense hues of mahogany and ebony. Combined with classic woodgrain and a simple structured overprint, Tektura creates a visual connection to the patterns, colours and textures found in nature.
A deep viscose pile, super soft feel and vivid colours elevates these printed velvets to the pinnacle of luxury. The nine designs, which celebrate fantastical dreamscapes, are enlivened with a bold, contemporary colour palette with the occasional glint of glamorous metallic. This is Linwood’s premium printed velvet collection… not only is it sumptuous in look and feel, it’s also durable and water repellent.
From capturing the serene beauty of an ornamental garden which are perfectly expressed in scenic designs, to recreating the charm of the 1920s with whimsical printed velvet fabrics to celebrate the mystery and magic of the Orient; this exuberant collection of patterns offers a versatile choice for any kinf of upholstery.
Sourcing for your next project? Explore the SBID Supplier Directory in SBIDPro to help solve your interior specification needs and source trusted suppliers for your projects! Sign in to discover more.
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With growing demand for zero contact bathroom solutions, manufacturers are increasingly introducing new developments for innovative touchless products to deliver the ultimate in hygiene. From basin mixers that activate automatically when they detect a user, to electronic flush plates with movement sensors, and mirrors with lights that are switched on with a simple gesture – Roca offers a range of touchless solutions which provide an extra layer of hygiene and safety within the bathroom. Infrared sensors allow users to activate water flow in taps, flush the WC or control mirror lights without the need for contact, avoiding the spread of viruses and growth of bacteria.
Roca’s range of electronic basin mixers, including the Loft-E range, feature an infrared sensor which activates the water flow when presence is detected and shuts off automatically when presence is no longer detected, avoiding direct hand contact. The lack of contact with the tap improves hygiene and prevents the build-up of droplets and fingerprints on its surface, resulting in a cleaner product for longer. Roca’s electronic basin mixers offer a highly hygienic and effective solution to fight the spread of viruses and bacteria and to reduce the use of water in the home.
Easy installation is guaranteed. The electronic mixers are available in a battery or mains operated system which means they can be installed in any bathroom, regardless of the availability of a power outlet in the area of usage. The battery operated versions are exceptionally durable with alkaline batteries which guarantee over 250,000 uses. A further innovation means both greater safety and more savings - the electronic device stops the water flow after a preset usage time to promote moderate use and prevent unnecessary waste of water.
Mirrors with integrated touchless technology, such as the Prisma Comfort model, allow users to activate functions such as the ambient light or the demister device through movement, which means less direct contact from hands, allowing the glass to remain clean and clear.
The EP-1 and EP-2 electronic operating plates make it possible to activate the toilet flush without touching it. With a stylish, contemporary design and very easy installation, they are automatically activated when moving a hand in front of them, ensuring maximum hygiene and avoiding any contact.
With a backlit surface divided into two stripes which are alternatively activated depending on the type of flush (partial or full), they can be set off by simply bringing the hand closer or by choosing the automatic option in which the toilet is instantly cleaned when the user approaches or when a specific time has passed after its use.
Roca’s Touchless solutions are suitable for both domestic and commercial use, providing an extra layer of safety within every type of bathroom.
About Roca
Roca began in 1917 as a manufacturer of cast iron radiators at its factory in Gavà, near Barcelona. From humble origins, the company has grown into a global business driven by a firm focus on improving the quality of life for its customers. Roca began producing innovate new designs, products and materials to provide the complete bathroom solutio. Today, Roca manufactures at 78 facilities around the world and is active in over 170 markets.
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