IFDA NEW ENGLAND 1Q 2016

I N T E R N AT I O N A L F U R N I S H I N G S A N D D E S I G N A S S O C I AT I O N

NEW ENGLAND Quarter 1 | 2016

Inspired by Nature Featured Designer: Linda Weisberg John Robshaw Debuts for Duralee

IFDA International Platinum Sponsors

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HORIZONTAL MEETS VERTICAL

P´7350 Discover the fascination of a kitchen which stands for what has characterised Poggenpohl and Porsche Design Studio over many years: concentration on the overall line.

Poggenpohl Boston 135 Newbury Street Boston, MA 02116 Phone 617-236-5253 info@boston.poggenpohl.com www.boston.poggenpohl.com

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear IFDA Colleagues, With the start of 2016, I am beginning my third year as president of this chapter! I want to thank long-time and new members for their continued support for IFDA New England!

We are particularly indebted to our annual sponsors as well as our event sponsors and hosts.

It continues to be extremely rewarding working with a wonderful, active, engaged, and supportive board. In 2015, we welcomed over 30 new members, brought in the Women’s Institute for Housing and Economic Development (WIHED) as our non-profit partner, and inaugurated New England’s participation in the third annual, international Take A Seat series, raising over $16,000 at the gala by auctioning off the up-cycled chairs designed by members of our fabulous design community!

We have a lot to look forward to this year: we are very excited about our 2016 Take A Seat events; Jennifer Driscoll, our VP of Programming, is again driving New England’s participation after her successful work last year! Design a chair, become a sponsor, host one of the events for Take A Seat! Also this year is our bi-annual Designer Showcase blind-judging design competition open to members-only; stay tuned for details of this popular competition and event in October 2016.

In closing, we are not only looking for new members, but encouraging all members to consider supporting board members by joining IFDA-NE committees and offering feedback on board activities, including attending board meetings, which are open to any members to attend.

Let’s all work together to make IFDA-NE even bigger and better this year!

Best,

Karen Dzendolet 3

APRIL 15, 2016 online submissions due

Area design professionals and students are invited to use their talents to up-cycle an existing chair or craft a one-of-kind work of art from different materials.

KICKOFF COCKTAIL PARTY May 3, 2016

TRAVELING EXHIBIT May 3-27, 2016

GALA & AUCTION June 1, 2016

Save The Dates For Take A Seat:

For more information, visit: www.takeaseat.ifdane.com Chair designed by Vani Sayeed | Photography by Elaine Fredrick

Board of Directors

TABLE OF CONTENTS Upcoming Events ................................................ 6

In Review ............................................................. 8

President Karen Dzendolet Treasurer Gary Rousseau Recording Secretary Laurie Gorelick Industry Liaison Robert Grossman

Inspired by Nature .............................................. 14

VP of Membership Robert Henry

John Robshaw Debuts for Duralee .................... 20

VP of Programming Jennifer Driscoll

Featured Designer: Linda Weisberg .................. 22

VP of Hospitality Dianne Ramponi

New and Notable Showroom News .................. 25

VP of Communications Christopher Saad

New Members .................................................... 29

VP of Sponsorship John Trifone

NEDHOF Call for Nominations ............................ 30

VP of New Member Programs Vivian Robins

Noteworthy: IFDA-NE Member News ................. 31

Get Involved! ...................................................... 40

VP of Education Gloria Robertson VP of Community Service Jacqueline Becker VP of Awards Arnold H. Lagueux

On the Cover: Vermont family retreat designed by Siemasko + Verbridge | Photography by Jim Westphalen

VP of Membership Retention Deb Matook VP of Future Directions Dawn Carroll 5

February 18, 2016 | 6:00 pm

SHINY IS THE NEW BLACK

*This event is hosted by an IFDA-NE member.

New finishes are a growing trend in today’s innovative designs. Learn how you can apply them to your designs. Enjoy networking, refreshments, and tour of the Herrick & White facility.

Herrick & White 3 Flat Street, Cumberland, RI

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February 23, 2016 | 5:30 pm

OFF WITH THEIR HEADS! HEAD SHOT DAY AT IFDA-NE.

March 30, 2016

VENEGAS AND COMPANY GRAND OPENING

*This event is hosted by an IFDA-NE member.

Venegas and Company’s showroom will be relocating to 477 Harrison Avenue in Boston’s vibrant South End. The Grand Opening Celebration will take place Wednesday, March 30th, the first day of Boston Design Week, 2016.

Venegas and Company 477 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA

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Get rid of that selfie or tired old headshot and update your profile with a new photo! Photographer Jessica Delaney is conducting 15 minute sessions.

Each person will receive proofs, one retouched image as a digital file. Networking reception is open to all (no headshot required).

Cumar Marble and Granite 69 Norman Street, Ste. 4, Everett, MA

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March 24, 2016 | 5:30 pm

THE BUSINESS ASPECT OF MANAGING AN INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM

Bill Emery of InControl Services will discuss the design industry from a business aspect. Bill has worked with 70+ design firms in Boston/NYC/San Francisco for the past 20 years.

Wolfers Lighting 103 N. Beacon Street, Allston, MA

March 30 - April 10, 2016

BOSTON DESIGN WEEK

The Third Annual Boston Design Week will take place March 30 – April 10, 2016. Boston Design Week concludes with the 9th Annual AD20/21: Art & Design of the 20th &21st Centuries show at the Cyclorama April 7-10. A Gala Preview to celebrate and support Boston Design Week is planned for Thursday, April 7 from 5:30-8:30pm at the AD20/21 show. A complete calendar of events can be seen online at www.BostonDesignWeek.com.

BostonDesignWeek.com

Annual Sponsors International Platinum

New England Platinum

April 5, 2016 | 5:30 pm

B/A/D TALK: KEEPING CLIENTS INVESTED AND ENTHUSIASTIC FROM BEGINNING TO END OF A HOMEBUILD PROJECT

New England Gold

*This event is hosted by an IFDA-NE member.

Join New England Home for another installment in their B/A/D Talks series, which will focus on keeping clients invested and enthusiastic from the beginning through the end of a homebuild project. To RSVP, email linda@badtalks.com.

New England Silver

District Hall 75 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA

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New England Bronze

April 15, 2016

DEADLINE FOR TAKE A SEAT SUBMISSIONS ONLINE

Area design professionals and students are invited to use their talents to up-cycle an existing chair or craft a one-of-kind work of art from different materials. Learn more about how to submit your design at TakeASeat.IFDANE.com.

TakeASeat.IFDANE.com

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In Review...

NOVEMBER

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Poggenpohl Boston hosted IFDA-NE for an entertaining and educational evening about holiday cooking with Chef Bill Collins on November 17, 2015.

Techniques for transforming conventional food into personal creations were covered. Specialty samples were brought for guests to enjoy, such as: Lemon Butter Shrimp, Salmon Bisque, and Braised Biscuit Sliders.

Holiday Entertaining with Chef Bill 6

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1: Tedd McKee, Jessica Woods, Karen Dzendolet, Rosemary Porto, Chef Bill, Kevin Briggs, Yaoying Huang 2: Chef Bill shares his creative tips with guests 3: Rebecca Wilson and Marilyn MacLeod 4: Linda Mariani and Chuck Agro 5: Al Lagueux, Rob Henry, and Peter Dolat 6: Chef Bill’s team hard at work making treats for guests 7: Cicely Hall, Lauren Vincent, and Taylor MacDonald 8: Bill Morton, John Speradakos, and Michael Hoban

Photography by Elaine Fredrick

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In Review...

DECEMBER

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On December 9, 2015, the historic mansion at the Endicott Estate, in Dedham, MA opened their doors for IFDA-NE’s annual holiday party. Guests were treated to horse drawn carriage rides, estate tours, period dressed carolers, photo booth fun, a gingerbread cooking station and a fabulous dinner. The event raised raised $5,000 for the Women’s Institute for Housing & Economic Development. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Finelines; charitable sponsors, Herrick & White Architectural Woodworkers and FBN Construction; bar sponsor, Cutting Edge Homes; gingerbread sponsor, Allstate Glass; and gift sponsor, New Dimension.

Annual Holiday Party

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Photography by Elaine Fredrick & 360Photobooths

1: Jacqui Becker, Wayne Southworth, Kathie Chrisicos, Rosemary Porto, Leslie Fine, Carolyn Meek, Debbie Bowen, Teresa Burnett, Karen Dzendolet, and Rob Henry 2: Kris Schaffer3: Nancy Sorenson, Lynn and Gary Rousseau 4: Amy Bressler and Alex Haley 5: Alex and Tamara Wolfson 6: Gloria and Greg Robertson, Rachel Douglas, and John Nicholas 7: Beezee Honan, Ryan Cutting, and Carolyn Kelly 8: Dana Mead and Tyler Campbell 9: Karen Dzendolet and Edwina Drummond 10: Brittany Shellngton and Chris Magliozzi

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508-643-7114 www.newdimensionfiberprotector.com

In Review...

JANUARY

What’s on Tap Showroom Sampler 1

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1: Renee Albano; David West 2: Scott Fisher; Scott Milne 3: Todd Moreschi; Amanda Greaves

Photography by Andrew Swaine

On Tuesday, January 12th, Designer Bath and Salem Plumbing Supply in Beverly, MA hosted their 4th annual “What’s on Tap” Showroom Sampler for industry professionals. The event featured demonstrations on some of today’s hottest brands in the bath and plumbing industry presented by representatives from Brizo, Electric Mirror, Elkay, Infinity Drain and Toto. A raffle from the participating manufacturers benefited the New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

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Inspired by Nature

Written by Joanne DiFrancesco Photography by Jim Westphalen15

Picturesque views and pristine surroundings offer a unique architectural challenge—and opportunity: how to create a beautiful space that honors them rather than overwhelming or competing with them. In Siemasko + Verbridge’s project in Sugarbush, VT, the clear answer was to incorporate elements of the landscape through both materials and style, rendering the finished condominium a reflection of its setting.

The art of the matter is in the details: local Vermont stone draws the outside in, while decorative reclaimed beams in the living and dining areas marry sophistication and a rustic aesthetic. Snow-white walls blend seamlessly into the environment, where picture windows open onto a ski mountain (to which the condo enjoys direct access).

“In bridging the stylistic gap between traditional ski lodge and upscale residence, Siemasko and Verbridge was careful to keep family-friendliness at the forefront of the design.�

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Project Details

Dining Table: Dorset Custom Furniture, Dorset, VT Master Birch Bed & Birch Post: Stauffer Woodworking, E. Montpelier, VT Bunk Beds: Simmons Quality Home Improvement Inc., Clinton, CT Drapery & Custom Bedding: Carole Bruce Workroom, Beverly, MA Antler Chandeliers: Mad River Antler, Waitsfield, VT

In bridging the stylistic gap between traditional ski lodge and upscale residence, Siemasko and Verbridge was careful to keep family-friendliness at the forefront of the design. The weekend home caters to both children and adults, with a mudroom ready for a mess of boots and skis, bunk beds ready for extended family, and a cozy simplicity crafted to bring a feeling of ease and joy to vacationers—a retreat in the truest sense of the word.

This project’s creativity, however, goes far beyond its stylistic considerations. Perhaps the most unique and defining element of this home is its custom furniture: an earthy birth log framed bed in the master bedroom, a one-of-a-kind oak table, and rough-hewn bunk beds in the children’s room. Birch forest wallpaper serves as an inexpensive (yet aesthetically consistent) alternative to wood paneling in several of the rooms. For ease of maintenance, all the furnishings are simple to care for, while adding wonderful texture to the rooms.

Distance from the project presented Siemasko + Verbridge with another challenge. Frequent site visits, collaboration with the local construction supervisor, and constant communication helped Siemasko + Verbridge to complete the project without a hitch.

Before the designs were even drawn, the client expressed their desire for a space that granted them a much-needed respite from their busy lives—a cozy yet sophisticated vacation spot with a ski-lodge feel, without sacrificing any of the modern amenities so essential to family life. One look at the photos—from rustic stylistic elements to pure functionality— confirms that their vision has been realized.

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JOHN ROBSHAW DEBUTS FIRST IN-HOUSE FURNITURE LINE FOR DURALEE Reprint from The Editor At Large | Posted on Wednesday, February 03, 2016

The John Robshaw for Duralee furniture collection will make its debut at High Point Market this April, signifying a growing push into furniture-making by a company traditionally known for its fabrics. Each of the collection’s 18 upholstered pieces, including the fourposter Sinan Bed and the Majal Sofa, draws inspiration from palace architecture, tea house seating and other eclectic influences from the designer’s travels around the world.

As Duralee’s first-ever in-house furniture line, most of the collection was produced locally (in the North Carolina furniture hub where it’ll premiere in a few months), with the exception of a few pieces.

“I first partnered with Duralee a few years back, developing a fabric collection of prints and wovens. Now we are growing the collection into the furniture world,” explains John Robshaw. For the new collection, he tells EAL, “In the beginning I gathered tear sheets from furniture across the globe that inspired me, and from there I saw these ideas transform into real pieces by Duralee’s factory team.”

Designer John Robshaw

In this video, Robshaw discusses with EAL the inspirations and influences for both his print and furniture designs.

“In the past two years, we’ve really hit our stride in the furniture market,” Robin Gordon, vice president of marketing and advertising at Duralee, tells EAL. “We reached the point where we wanted to explore license opportunities, as we’ve had such tremendous success with designer collaborations on the fabric side of our business. Producing our own furniture frames in house allows us the luxury to push the envelope on design, and who better to do that than John Robshaw?”

“My design aesthetic stands apart because it is so heavily influenced by my travels

The Asha Chair

The Chalabi Sofa

across the world,” adds Robshaw, whose favorite piece is the Warif chair and whose predicted best-seller is the Asha slipper chair, “small and versatile for any space.”

(See both pieces in person at the Duralee Furniture booth at InterHall at High Point Market, and stay tuned for EAL’s further coverage of the collection.)

All of the collection’s frames, including back fills and cushions, are made with ecofriendly poly and fiber sourced from a CertiPUR-certified supplier. The collection employs materials including kiln-dried maple hardwoods and techniques like eight-way handtied construction and steel banding, which is used to inhibit sagging and support the spring unit.

“The beauty of working with a designer on a licensed collection is that they bring a unique perspective to the process, which ultimately leads to distinctive pieces,” continues Gordon. “John Robshaw for Duralee Furniture is the perfect marriage of artistic composition and functional design.”

Read more at EditorAtLarge.com 21

FEATURED DESIGNER: LINDA WEISBERG, INTERIOR AND FLORAL DESIGNER Design comes in all shapes and forms, but ultimately good design brings joy.

This quarter we are featuring a very talented interior designer, Linda Weisberg, who also works at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston designing elegant flower arrangements for the museums’ events and displays. Gloria Robertson, IFDANE VP of Education, had a chance to ask her some questions.

What inspired you to join the Museum of Fine Arts Floral Design Department?

The MFA has a number of volunteer opportunities, one of which is the MFA Associates, a 4-year program where one can train to be a guide in the galleries or a floral designer at the museum. The floral designers work in teams on a weekly basis to design, purchase and arrange flowers around the museum. I chose to apply to be a flower designer after learning about the program from a friend in my book group. I have always loved flowers and gardening. Flower arranging appeals to me because I can utilize the skills I learned in my interior design training at the Boston Architectural College in another venue. Color theory and the principles and elements of design are fundamental aspects of floral design. Certain colors recede and advance in floral design just like they

Member Profile do in interiors. Certain color combinations can create a quiet mood or more visual excitement, for example. Also it’s imperative to pay attention to scale, proportion, balance, rhythm and texture-to name a few-just as we do in interiors. Some of my favorite interior designers-icons like Bunny Williams, Charlotte Moss and Carolyn Roehm are also wonderful floral arrangers and garden experts, and I have admired their work for years.

What was one of your greatest floral design challenges?

A big challenge was being the team captain for the first time at the MFA last May, and it was a feeling of great accomplishment. I had to choose the design for the Huntington and Fenway entrances, the Sharf information desk and Bravo restaurant tables. The first step is to choose a design inspiration. It could be the time of year, an upcoming holiday, or an exhibit at the museum.

Next the containers must be chosen from the container hall in the basement of the museum. After that, there are several trips to the flower market to see what is in season and what will work budget-wise. Once everything is selected, under the captain’s direction, the team of 6 arranges the flowers on Thursday mornings before the museum opens. The team is also responsible for maintaining the flowers over the week until the next team comes in.

What was the best compliment you ever received from a museum constituent?

Another great aspect of working with flowers at the MFA is the wow factor that is expressed by museum patrons as well as MFA employees and volunteers.

Many of the guides will point out the arrangements during their tours. The MFA is a world class art museum, and the people I have met there are extremely interesting and committed to maintaining the museum as one of the best in the world.

What’s your next step in floral design?

After graduating from the BAC Residential Interiors program in December 2015, I plan to join a garden club and visit gardens in the greater Boston area and beyond. In fact, this spring, my husband and I are planning to go on an architectural tour in the Lake District of Italy where we will visit villas and their gardens. It is a great opportunity to integrate my love of flowers, art and interior design. I hope to continue my learning about it all, and sharing it with family, friends, and colleagues and of course, clients.

Interview conducted by Gloria Robertson, VP of Education.

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Introducing Imagination Furnishings Window Imagination is pleased to announce the launch of “Imagination Furnishings” – an exclusive line of wood and metal hand-crafted furnishings.

For over 30 years, Window Imagination worked strictly with design professionals. This is their first venture into offering a product line to the general public with design discount pricing.

Imagination Furnishings, manufactured in Massachusetts, features a variety of unique materials, reclaimed or new. The furniture line is available in company’s Everett Mill showroom/shop located at 15 Union Street, 4th Floor, Lawrence, MA. Hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and by appointment.

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Venegas and Co. On the Move...

Venegas and Company is pleased to announce they recently relocated to 477 Harrison Avenue in Boston’s South End, opening a new 5,000 square-foot Kitchen Design Studio and Showroom. Known for their expertise in custom cabinetry, product innovation, unique finishes and exceptional client care, Venegas collaborates with Boston’s finest design and construction professionals.

Allstate Glass Merges Divisions and Moves to a New Home The beginning of the new year marked a milestone for Allstate Glass, as their Auto, Commercial, Showers & Special Projects divisions were merged under one roof at their new home in Rockland, MA. The new 36,000-square foot facility accommodates 3-4 automobiles at a time for windshield replacement servicing and a fabrication shop for their commercial glazing team. The new facility is also home to their shower & special projects team, administrative staff, customer service representatives, project managers, estimators, field supervisors and fabricators.

The company, founded in 1987 has evolved over the years into much more than a windshield service. Allstate offers a number of glazing specialties that are specific to the design industry including custom frameless showers, mirrors, water closets, glass backsplashes, railings, partitions, allglass offices, door systems, storefront, and curtain walls, among others.

Boston Design Center Welcomes Jewett Farms + Co. Jewett Farms + Co is proud to announce the opening of their brand new showroom in the Boston Design Center. Paula Accioly, the new face of JF Boston, offers a wealth of experience in kitchen design and is pleased to share with the entire IFDA community all this vibrant new showroom and its expert JF team has to offer.

Based in Dover, New Hampshire, Jewett Farms + Co. had an exceptional year in 2015, making strides as the premier experts in cabinetry, soapstone, and flooring. Most recently, they were honored at the 2015 PRISM awards, receiving the Gold for a small kitchen in a historic remodel located in Newburyport, MA. Additionally, JF received recognition for their participation in a number of other award-winning projects.

Jewitt Farms +Co. showroom hours are Monday – Friday from 9am to 5pm 27

For more than 75 years, discerning homeowners and trade professionals have relied on Wolfers as New England’s premier lighting resource.

Discover the Wolfers difference, from expert consultation to innovative design and the latest energy-efficient technology.

Make an appointment online or stop by a Wolfers showroom today.

Allston 103 N. Beacon St. | 617.254.0700 Waltham 1339 Main St. | 781.890.5995 www.wolfers.com

2016 IFDA-NE

New Members PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS: Susan Barba SBID Studio Laurie Heffernon Done in a Day Decorating Jennifer Lozada Fresh Start Interiors Deborah Matook New England Architectural Finishing Tara Nolan Broadview Marketing Shari Pellows Shari Pellows Interiors Kelly Rogers Boston Architectural College Terry Steen Nationwide Lifts of MA, Inc. Christine Velyvis Boston Architectural College

GREETINGS!

WELCOME HELLO

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THE TENTH ANNUAL NEW ENGLAND DESIGN HALL OF FAME AWARDS AND GALA

Do you know a talented professional that has made a lasting impact on the design field in New England?

Please help New England Home identify the most distinguished homedesign professionals for the 2016 New England Design Hall of Fame by submitting nominations at www.nehomemag.com/NEDHOF

The New England Design Hall of Fame honors individuals who have had especially significant careers in residential design in New England. A small number of architects, interior designers, specialty designers (such as kitchen design, bath design or lighting design) and landscape architects whose work, influence and community involvement set them at the pinnacle of their profession are inducted into the Hall of Fame at an annual ceremony and gala each November.

Materials deadline: 7/29/16 | Awards and Gala: November 2016

Noteworthy

One of Five Paintings from Tamara Wolfson

Mural Concept by Marilyn MacLeod

IFDA-NE MAKES PROGRESS WITH WIHED AT THE GRINNELL MANSION The Community Service Committee is busy finalizing plans for our improvements to the Women’s Institute of Housing and Economic Development’s historic Grinnell Mansion in New Bedford. Marilyn MacLeod of Lee Design has implement a whaling themed mural at the resident entrance. California Closet’s Nancy Dayian will install several storage solutions on March 10th, and posters and art work will be installed in late winter, as will the new kitchen microwave and cabinetry.

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Noteworthy

IFDA-NE MEMBERS TAKE ON NATIONAL ROLES IFDA-NE is excited to announce that two of our long-term chapter members now hold National and International positions within IFDA. Jane Toland holds one of the Director at Large positions on the International Board of Directors and is the 2016 Committee Chair for the Webinar Committee. She is currently working on a survey for the entire IFDA membership on webinar topic preferences, speaker suggestions, time of day, pricing, format, and more. The board’s hope is to receive a healthy response to best inform the webinar calendar for the upcoming year.

Linda Mariani is now Director of Scholarships and Grants for the IFDA Education Foundation; it is her job to promote and communicate the details about the many available IFDA sponsored scholarships and grants. She assists with the development of new grants and scholarships as well as reviewing existing ones. In the month of March, scholarship applications are accepted and reviewed

by Linda prior to handing them off for judging; she also handles all communication with the applicants.

JOANNE DIFRANCESCO RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF 2015’S TOP WOMEN IN PR BY PRNEWS JDCommunications announced its president and founder, Joanne DiFrancesco, has been named one of PR News’ Top Women in PR for 2015. This annual list is comprised of influential women in the field of public relations, driving the agenda for the industry - managing crises, developing brand messages, protecting and building brand reputations and creating content for digital platforms.

PR professionals from small to large firms across the country are recognized for the business accomplishments and bold advances they’ve made for their own company and for their clients.

DiFrancesco joins the ranks of other honorees including, Katina Arnold of ESPN and Whitney Christopher of Dwell Media, among others. Honorees were celebrated at an Awards Luncheon on January 26 at the Grand Hyatt in New York City.

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NOW ART CAN COEXIST WITH TECHNOLOGY

The world’s first silent, precision electronic sliding lift that uses original art to conceal flat screen televisions.

INTRODUCING THE ART LIFT... very cool concept, indeed!

617.734.1800 | BOSTON 508.699.8819 | N. ATTLEBORO WWW.AUDIOCONCEPTS.COM audio/video | automation & integration | communication systems | furnishings | shades & lighting | wifi & networking

CONCEPTS THAT SIMPLIFY LIFE

Noteworthy

MEET IFDA-NE’S NEW VP OF MEMBERSHIP RETENTION Deb Matook recently embraced a detour from the corporate environment along with a role change as Office and Business Development Manager for New England Architectural Finishing, LLC. Along with her husband, Murat Oztermiyeci, Principal, they specialize in artisan quality custom staining and finishing, color matching, and refinishing and restoration of period and new architectural woodwork, cabinetry and fine furniture since 1987.

Deb possesses over 25 years of Human Resources experience, most recently in the role of New England Regional Manager of Employee Relations at Santander Bank. Deb Matook has worked in Banking and Finance, Medical Devices and Insurance. She attended Lesley University and holds various Human Resources Certifications.

Over the last several years Deb has experienced the IFDA New England Chapter through attending various events as a guest and is delighted to have recently joined the New England Chapter as VP of Membership Retention. Deb is enthusiastic about communicating with members, obtaining feedback and identifying and implementing positive courses of action for member retention.

HERRICK & WHITE CREATES A CUSTOM PIECE FOR THE RI STATE HOUSE On January 27th, Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea celebrated the rededication of the State House Charter Museum. Over 50 members from the community including elected officials and history enthusiasts attended a reception in the State House Library followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony at the entrance to the Museum.

The event showcased the new, locally-crafted display cases for the Royal Charter of 1663, a priceless document that guaranteed Rhode Island settlers freedom of religion and the freedom to govern themselves.

Architectural woodworkers Herrick & White in Cumberland created the wooden bases for the display which will preserve and protect the three panels of the Royal Charter. This event was highlighted in Gorbea’s “Nellie’s Notes” e-newsletter.

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Professional

Membership: $350.00

Associate Membership:

$150

Student Membership:

$45

Get IFDA Benefits Today Contact Rob Henry | VP of Membership | rhenry@avdesigns.com

Learn more about IFDA New England: www.ifda.com/new-england-chapter

Noteworthy A Thank You From Carolyn Meek, FIFDA Dear New England Colleagues, Please know how thrilled and grateful I was to be honored by each of you at the Fall Membership Meeting. As I said in my necessarily brief remarks, “Stay with anything long enough and someone will throw you a party.”

Truthfully, when National contacted me a year ago and said that during 2015 I would have been a member of IFDA for fifty years, it was a shock.

I really was quite young when I joined at the suggestion of the director of the school at which I taught and as we do today, was soon on put on the chapter board. Then, not long after, when our representative to the national board couldn’t attend a meeting, they sent me off to Chicago to represent New England and to learn exactly what a strong network of professionals these people were throughout the country.

That was the beginning of my long involvement with IFDA (then NHFL) on both the local and national levels. I met some of the most wonderful members from all over the country who became lifelong friends and participated in extraordinary changes in the organization, including the name change, growth of Education Fooundation to where it is today, functioning as a strong part of IFDA and offering so many scholarships, grants and fellowships; the opening of membership to men; and the increasing awareness of our field of who we were and what we were accomplishing in building the organization.

My respect for what we do nationally and internationally is great, and we should all be aware of what IFDA has accomplished, not only in benefiting our members but affecting others in our charity work and in our educational outreach. I am the IFDA representative to the Annual Interior Design Career Day committee and although we are made up of four design related organizations and the Design Center, I have in my files the program for one of the first such programs and it was an IFDA program.

One of my proudest moments was being made a Fellow of IFDA and I would urge any member to aspire to this award. The award itself is a tangible award, but all the chapter and national committees and the networking that has taken place is what enriches us.

My thanks for the recognition, the lovely glass piece of art, and the chance to name five charities to which the chapter contributed in my name.

Most sincerely,

Carolyn Baker Meek, FIFDA

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Noteworthy

IFDA Education Foundation Scholarships Open in March 2016 IFDA Leaders Commemorative Scholarship — $1,500 Open To Currently Enrolled, Full-Time Undergraduate Students, Extra Credit For Volunteer Work/Leadership Part-Time Student Scholarship — $1,500 Open To Currently Enrolled, Part-Time Undergraduate Students IFDA Student Member Scholarship — $2,000 Open To Currently Enrolled, Full-Time Undergraduate, IFDA Student Members Vercille Voss IFDA Graduate Student Scholarship — $2,000 Open To Currently Enrolled, Full- or Part-Time Graduate Students Ruth Clark Furniture Design Scholarship — $3,000 Open To Currently Enrolled, Full- or Part-Time Undergraduate or Graduate Students Tricia LeVangie Green/Sustainable Design Scholarship — $1,500 Open To Currently Enrolled, Full- or Part-Time Undergraduate Students Window Fashion Certified Professionals Fast Track Scholarship -One Full Registration ($1,000) Open To Currently Enrolled, Two or Three Year Interior Design or Related Program Students

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GET INVOLVED YOU JOINED US, NOW JOIN IN!

GET MORE OUT OF IFDA-NE. JOIN A COMMITTEE: COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE

The Community Service Committee is creating a service program for our new charity, the Womens Institute for Housing and Economic Development (WIHED), a creator of affordable housing in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Proceeds from our annual Take A Seat program are gifted to WIHED, and we are beginning to create a service project at one of WIHED’s facilities, the historic Grinnell Mansion in New Bedford, where we will address a wishlist of enhancements to improve an already exemplary low income housing facility. Thinking of joining? Please contact Jacqui Becker, VP of Community Serviceat jacqui@beckerfinearts. com or 617-513-6856.

SOCIAL MEDIA COMMITTEE

Are you a social media junkie? Can you text 85 words a minute? Know the difference between Instagram, Pinterest, and Tumblr? Then we’re looking for you! IFDA-NE is looking for volunteers to join our Social Media Committee. IFDA-NE is working towards setting up and maintaining social media accounts to better serve its members. The committee will be responsible for assisting with reposts, tweeting from events, sharing photos of projects, and relaying relevant chapter and industry news to other members. A few hours a month is all it takes, and it’s a great way to get involved with your IFDA chapter and make new connections. If you’re interested, send a tweet to @IFDANEC or email Chris Saad, VP of Communications, at chris.saad@audioconcepts.com.

MENTORING PROGRAM

Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” This is your chance to give. IFDA-NE has initiated a chapter-wide mentoring program for students to shadow IFDA-NE participating members. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, all that is required is 3-4 hours each month in the fall and/or spring to allow a student to “shadow” you in an effort to gain an understanding of an IFDA member’s day-to-day dealings such as client meetings, site visits, vendor meetings, etc. Contact Karen Dzendolet, President, at karen@kdzdesigns.com to learn more.

CHAPTER EVENTS/PROGRAMS COMMITTEE

The Chapter Events/Programs Committee is seeking 3-4 members who are committed to leading the organization in the development of its education, networking, and overall growth. Members are asked to take part in quarterly meetings to analyze and coordinate an ongoing calendar of events for the IFDA-NE chapter. Members will collaborate to control events from conception to completion while managing each event’s budget and fulfilling sponsorship agreements. If you love to network or be at the center of the action, please contact Jennifer Driscoll at jennifer@broadviewmarketing.com.

TAKE A SEAT PLANNING COMMITTEE

Take A Seat is IFDA-NE’s largest annual event. It’s an exciting event for builders, architects, designers and suppliers to show off their talents while raising money for the chapter’s chairitable organizaiton, the Women’s Institute of Econdomic Development. The Take A Seat Planning Committee’s role includes creating three unique events that caters to our inducstry and consumers: Kick-off cocktail party with a private press preview; a traveling exhibit; and a gala with an auction. The committee will identify the planning process that makes most sense for the organization and its budget. If you would like to participate on this committee, please contact Jennifer Driscoll at jennifer@broadviewmarketing.com.

MORE OPPORTUNITITIES TO GET INVOLVED: ANNUAL & EVENT SPONSORSHIPS: BOARD OF DIRECTORS: STUDENT CHAPTER:

Jon Trifone - john@mitchellgoldboston.com

Karen Dzendolet - karen@kdzdesigns.com

Gloria Robertson - twinkle.gloria@verizon.net

STUDENT INTERNS/INTERNSHIPS:

Gloria Robertson - twinkle.gloria@verizon.net

NOT A MEMBER YET? Contact Rob Henry - rhenry@avdesigns.com 41

www.ifda.com/new-england-chapter