KALAMAZOO, MICH.—Landscape Forms, North America’s leading designer and manufacturer of high-design LED lighting, site furniture, structure, and accessories, announced it is now a gold-level sponsor of the Women in Lighting + Design (WILD) organization. WILD is a volunteer-run organization with approximately 1,500 members across 20 chapters in the U.S. and Canada. Its mission is to provide the lighting community an inclusive and open environment for professional and personal growth by offering networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. President of WILD Kelly Roberts is Studio Director at WALD Studio (William Armstrong Lighting Design) in New York City. She has been associated with...

SOLON, OHIO—Tarkett, a leader in innovative and sustainable flooring solutions, has launched Event+ LVT, a new collection that combines style and durability for high-traffic areas in office, healthcare and education spaces alike. “The softening of lines between each part of daily life has impacted how we learn, work, travel and, most certainly, how we design,” said Leigh Wright, Director of Product Development, LVT, Tarkett North America. “With Event+, we celebrate how contemporary spaces are mirroring this fusion with an eclectic approach and creative freedom.” The collection blurs stylistic lines—from organic and handcrafted to structured and industrial—and allows designers to curate material combinations that...

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN—Swedish concrete manufacturer Heidelberg Materials Precast Contiga and Finnish producer of engineered wood products Metsä Wood, have initiated a cross-industry collaboration to capitalize on the benefits of combining concrete and wood in future building structures. The ambition is to jointly develop and launch a hybrid element with a low carbon footprint. The collaboration involves starting the development of a new hybrid element that is constructed with both concrete and wood as constituent building material. The result when combining climate-improved concrete with wood, is a new type of building element with high strength and durability as well as lower weight...

ISRAEL—With climate change and rising pollution rates being rampant issues today, countries around the world are focusing their efforts on reducing the negative impact of human activity on the environment and finding new solutions to set the foundation for sustainable development. Of all the countries that have pledged to take concrete and tangible action to protect the planet and address nature and biodiversity loss, Israel stands out as a sustainability leader. Despite being a densely populated country characterized by land scarcity, limited natural resources and poor distribution of these resources, Israel has managed to offset many of these challenges by...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) and the International WELL Building Institute pbc (IWBI) released a streamlined process for projects pursuing certifications for the LEED green building rating system and the WELL Building Standard. The process streamlines documentation for projects that are pursuing both certifications at the same time or that have already earned one certification and are looking to add the other. “USGBC’s partnership with IWBI builds upon our shared commitment to driving positive health outcomes across the built environment,” said Peter Templeton, President and CEO of USGBC and GBCI. “Improving human health has...

DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.—Serge Ferrari Group, a leader in designing and manufacturing innovative composite fabrics, is showcasing a variety of performance textiles suitable for hospitality environments at HD Expo from May 2-4, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Soltis Loop Sunmate is the first-ever interior solar protection fabric made from 100 percent recycled materials from post-consumer waste. Since its creation in 1973, Serge Ferrari Group has established itself as a leader in the hospitality space, offering a variety of products available to its industry partners that provide comfort and style. In 2023, the team at Serge Ferrari...

NEW YORK—Stacy Garcia New York and Koroseal announce the previewing of three new wallcoverings. The Stuyvesant, Cabrini, and Sunset Park designs are their latest additions and represent the ideal combination of sophistication and durability. This opportunity to get a first look at the designs will take place from May 2-4 during HD Expo in Las Vegas. Cabrini, with its subtle canvas embossing and modern wavy linework, creates a calming effect that is ideal for any space. Stuyvesant, a blend of 80’s nostalgia and modern architecture, features striking line work and geometric shapes that add energy to any room. Sunset Park offers...

CHICAGO—THE MART announced that seven new brands have signed on for permanent showrooms and several companies are extending their leases ahead of the 2023 edition of NeoCon, the leading commercial design trade show, June 12 to 14 at THE MART in Chicago. The brisk leasing activity, alongside a roster of new 7th floor NeoCon exhibitors, and a milestone building renovation project helmed by Gensler Chicago, reinforces THE MART as an important strategic hub for both emerging and established brands based in the U.S. and abroad. “We’ve seen over 200,000 square feet of showroom leasing within the past 18 months, with...

BETHESDA, MD.—JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of 30 hotel brands, announced the opening of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, marking the company’s debut in the luxury safari segment. Sitting within the Masai Mara National Reserve in Southwestern Kenya, one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife and wilderness conservation regions, the lodge is a sophisticated sanctuary from which to discover animals and breathtaking vistas in harmony. Exhilarating guided game drives offer guests the opportunity to observe the “Big Five” that Masai Mara is home to, including lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinoceros, and elephants. Between June and September, the reserve is...

SAN DIEGO—Eldorado Stone announces Rivenwood, a new panelized stone veneer profile with wood grain characteristics. Inspired by the pioneering craftsmanship seen in 19th century barns, Rivenwood is designed with authentic details such as nails, breaks and knots with a unique patina that blends natural wood colors with unexpected tonal grains for an aged yet contemporary design. “Our goal with Rivenwood was to provide a uniquely contemporary profile that also pays homage to the artistry and versatility of reclaimed barnwood structures,” said Sarah Lograsso, Director of Marketing and Product Design. “This profile translates the beautiful aging process of wood into a captivating veneer format that...