On The Board

products are made from waste, post-consumer, and post-industrial sources. They can be re-used in most sectors, such as a tabletop in a retail setting or the side of a bathtub in a residential. I would like to see a lot more appreciation for the use of sustainable products, especially from the end-user, and when they look this beautiful how could there not be?

Finally, I have chosen two lighting products from B.Lux, these products summarise the texture and flexibility I keep returning to as Spring/ Summer insights. They are LED portable lamps and can be charged by USB. Commercial, residential and hospitality are hybrid spaces; the need to have products that can move with the end-user needs in a specific time or space is key. The Misko Camp light (5) has a beautiful organic shape that is soft to the eye and the walnut and black base will go with any colour scheme. I am loving the use of walnut tones, and this will stay strong into next year in contrast to the pastel tones. The handles allow you to lift this product and hang it as a wall light. The Kup camp light (6) is so portable and compact - it can be transported anywhere as we continue to embrace our flexible lifestyles. www.m1ntstudio.com

I’m excited to see what Spring/Summer holds in design and would love to see some more adventurous use of bold colour choices and clashing prints and textures; these would be fun to see in all design sectors.

I think that the majority of projects, if not all projects, can benefit from an additional level of control. It is rarely a bad thing to have flexibility, to create a project that is adaptable and futureproofed. When deciding to integrate a controls system into a project, it is best to look at the benefits and make this decision as early as possible. Often the concept is discussed but is not embedded until the later stages of a project, yet the earlier controls are introduced the better. Controls come with a cost implication, and it is better to fight to keep a controls system in than fight to bring it in later. The important thing to realise is that with flexibility there are cost savings for energy usage over time. Introducing the cost implication and sustainability application is an important consideration at the design phase. Choosing the most suitable controls system depends on the unique and specific needs of each project. We work with many different control manufacturers and different systems will suit different projects. When approaching control, we focus on what level of flexibility we need and who it is best suited to.

Some projects require more simple allowances for scene sets and button plates, and we suggest manufacturers that offer an excellent selection of materiality, colours and finishes, which is very appealing to the end user and client. Yet some projects have more complex needs and require integration between different systems, and in these cases we would suggest a manufacturer with a background in that