Thursday events at the DDB

This Thursday, September 20, from 5:30-7:30pm, join us at Window Modes (Suite 1615) at the DDB. Special guest Theo Kalomirakis of TK Theatres, dubbed the "father of home theatre" is a leading creator of custom theatres and one-of-a-kind entertainment environments, like the one pictured above. Whether the style is traditional and opulent or clean and contemporary, Kalomirakis tailors each creation to fit the clients. He'll also be signing copies of his book, Great Escapes, which features nine of his projects. Discover new ways to incorporate these environments into your designs for homes (and clients) who truly want everything, as well as the technology that will make these environments truly start of the art. RSVP to Sales@WindowModes.com.

Then come back next Thursday, September 27, for a midday treat from 12-2pm at KnollTextiles (Suite 1702). Trove designers Jee Levin and Randall Buck will be on hand for a reception to celebrate their new collection of three wallcoverings, Sway, Swerve and Swoosh (pictured above) designed for Knoll. For more information, email knoll-luxe@knoll.com.

As seen in: New York Cottages & Gardens

New York Cottages & Gardens debuted with an April/May issue. You can shop for these favorites at the DDB. We're always glad to see another beautiful print publication!

Knoll's Womb chairs are pictured above.
Maya Romanoff's new showroom gets a shout out:


Along with pendant lamps from Holly Hunt.


We're looking forward to the second issue, due out any day now, before the NY edition closes up for the season and the focus turns to the Hamptons edition.

In the News: Knoll Acquires Outdoor Furniture Company Richard Schultz (Part 2)

Now that Richard Schultz Design has announced that it has been acquired by Knoll, we're getting the scoop on what the transition means for both companies.

"The acquisition of Richard Schultz reflects our ongoing interest in remixing our business with high design, high-margin specialty offerings which appeal to both commercial buyers and consumers worldwide," said Andrew B. Cogan, Knoll's CEO. "Richard Schultz began his career as a designer with Knoll and co-founded his company with his son Peter in 1992. Together, they have built an international reputation for exploring new materials and forms for outdoor furniture. We look forward to the continuous success of the Richard Schultz brand," he added.

Shultz's mother was hired by Florence (Shu) Knoll in 1950 to work with her on interior design projects. His father was hired by Hans and Shu in 1951 after he graduated from design school, and proceeded to design the iconic 1966 Collection and Petal Table Collections, among others.

In 1992, Richard Shultz Design was created with the goal of continuing to explore new product ideas specific to outdoor furniture. With Knoll’s permission and assistance, they were able to re-introduce the 1966 Collection and Petal Tables.

Peter Schultz, President of Richard Shultz Design, will remain a consultant to Knoll, and most of the current staff will remain in place.

In the News: Knoll Acquires Outdoor Furniture Company Richard Schultz (Part 1 of 2)

Richard Schultz Design has announced that it has been acquired by Knoll in a deal expected to close on or about March 1.

"My parents and I see this as a fitting and natural step in the growth and evolution of our company, first from a small startup in the bedroom of my childhood home in Pennsylvania, then to an independent vibrant brand, and now to an integrated brand with Knoll, where it all began," said Peter Schultz, President of Richard Shultz Design.

The company, which maintains a flagship showroom at the DDB, sells the iconic 1966 Schultz Leisure Line and 1960 Petal Table Collection, originally designed for Knoll, as well as contemporary outdoor furniture designs. Its designs are included in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Check back with GoDesignGo tomorrow for more on Richard Schultz's legacy and the company's future.

In the News: National Design Week with Knoll (Part 2)

Knoll’s recent role in kicking off National Design Week in New York City was a fabulous success. The event The Future of Design was an evening spent with Masamichi Udagawa, Sigi Moeslinger and Lee Mindel. Hosting the discussion was curator of the Cooper-Hewitt, Cara McCarty.

Knoll also honored its 73-year history of office design innovation with several set-ups showing Knoll offices through the ages. Known for its iconic furniture pieces, the company’s ability to consider and plan for the times is a large part of its award winning success.

When talking about his work in the New York City subway system including the Metrocard machines, train cars, furniture and computer screens, Masamichi noted: "Design makes people do things."

Lee Mindel commented on his own design philosophy: "Design is about whittling it down to its essence."

In the News: Knoll Kicks Off National Design Week

Knoll is kicking off National Design Week in New York City this week with the event, The Future of Design with Masamichi Udagawa, Sigi Moeslinger and Lee Mindel.

Cara McCarty, curator of the Cooper-Hewitt, will interview Masamichi Udagawa and Sigi Moeslinger, who are known for designing the New York subway cars and the Antenna Workspaces for Knoll, along with architect and product designer Lee Mindel. Together, they will discuss design today and the future of design.

Knoll will also honor its 73-year history of office design innovation with several set-ups showing Knoll offices through the ages.

In the News: Knoll Wins 2011 National Design Award for Corporate & Institutional Achievement (Part 2)

The Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum bestowed the 2011 National Design Award for Corporate and Institutional Achievement upon Knoll giving testament to Knoll’s legacy and vision for design.

We had the opportunity to talk with Knoll Design Director, Benjamin Pardo, about the award and what we can expect to see in Knoll's future.

GDG: What stands out most for you in the time that you've been with Knoll?

BP: I’ve been with the company since 2005. Since then, we have been working on products for a new generation seeking innovative approaches to the ever-changing workplace. The countless individuals involved with our winning this award have maintained one constant goal: a genuine balance of art and industry.

GDG: Has the look and feel of Knoll’s sensibility changed over the years?

BP: Knoll has always been about using modern design to connect people with their work, their lives and their world. Of course, we have evolved over time, but we have always stayed true to our modernist roots. With each product, we seek to explore new materials and processes that meet our high standards for sustainability.

GDG What's next for Knoll?

BP: Our uncompromising approach to design is stronger than ever. In the last two years, Knoll has invested in design by teaming up with six industrial design groups from around the world. New solutions for the office environment like Generation by Knoll®, MultiGeneration by Knoll®, Antenna® Workspaces and the Sapper™ Monitor Arm Collection have rolled out recently. Knoll will also further its introductions with ReGeneration by Knoll™ at NeoCon 2011 in Chicago.

We also continue to work on designs for KnollStudio and KnollTextiles, collections that demonstrate our commitment to design driven products that cross over between the workplace and the home.

Keep your eyes open for more of what Knoll is up to this Summer and stop by the Knoll Luxe showroom at the DDB to get more of your Knoll fix.

In the News: Knoll Wins 2011 National Design Award for Corporate & Institutional Achievement (Part 1 of 2)

We couldn’t be more thrilled that Knoll was selected as the winner of the 2011 Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award for excellence in design and the public impact of its body of work.

"Everyone who has ever been involved in designing, manufacturing or selling our products deserves credit for, and should take pride in, this award,” said Knoll CEO Andrew Cogan. “This recognition encompasses the continuum of Knoll products, communications and environments that have evolved over time, and our investment in design that has created new solutions for the ever-changing workplace."

We were able to ask Knoll Design Director Benjamin Pardo about the Knoll legacy and how the Company's history has brought helped them to where they are today.

"Knoll’s history is the history of modern design in America," said Benjamin. "In 1938, Hans Knoll founded the company based on the conviction that good design enriches and improves our lives at home and at work. He was later joined by his wife, Cranbrook-trained Florence, who formed the Planning Unit, a design consultancy devoted to office interiors--the first of its kind and, equally revolutionary, run by a woman. This pioneering analysis of work patterns continues today, as Knoll leads the way in reimagining furniture for the ever-changing workplace."

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more with Benjamin Pardo on Knoll's newest award and what to expect from Knoll next.