We have had such a busy year so far, we barely noticed that spring had slipped in to summer—until we realized that we were in full summer travel mode. An amazing trip to Dubai for Hospitality Match started the theme, and we continued with a perfectly productive trip to Ohio. We traveled to Las Vegas for HD Expo, and we were excited to return again to exhibit at BuildingsNY. Aside from all the summer travel, we have been busy planning into the upcoming seasons as well—looking forward and putting the details together for both the IIDA Hospitality Forum and NADI the Show. If you’re traveling and happen upon a S. Harris • Fabricut showroom, we think you’ll be interested in our Featured Project. And as the perfect way to salute the summer, we’ve added a new partnership to our roster with American Forest's Global ReLeaf Campaign. And while some of our contingent will continue to travel, we are maintaining a full staff in New York so that we can continue to provide you with the service, convenience and inspiration to make specifying Architectural Systems, Inc. materials you choice for many seasons to come.

Enjoy the Holiday Weekend!

Architectural Systems, Inc. had the distinct pleasure of sponsoring the Dubai Hospitality Match, an intimate conference structured around prescheduled meetings between members of the hospitality and design industries. It was an opportunity for some wonderfully intensive networking. Some of the top US design firms were on hand giving presentations showcasing their work in the region. We found them all to be fascinating and learned so much. Who would have known that there were cultural considerations like modifying designs to facilitate Middle Eastern attire? We concluded with involvement in a number of exciting projects and we’re looking forward to returning to develop more. To expand our presence in this fascinating place (where half of the world’s construction cranes can currently be found!) we have retained agents Kens & Khalique to represent Architectural Systems, Inc. for Dubai-based projects.

And a trip to Dubai wouldn’t be complete without an Arabian adventure. All of the conference attendees were whisked away to an encampment in the desert for an evening of belly dancing, henna tattoos, and a traditional dinner served on tapestry-clad low tables. Next trip: a visit to the Mall of the Emirates.

For the hospitality industry’s premier supplier of fabric, one would expect nothing less than a stunning showroom. The trick in the design, however, was creating a signature look for all of the company’s showrooms that was at once distinctive, but that would also neither overwhelm nor clash with the company’s fabric lines. The result? A look that is clean and elegant, with luxuriant touches supplied by Architectural Systems Inc. materials. Ecotexture® is used as a focal wall element, while Bamboo Flooring is inlaid with Maxx® Concrete to create an unusual floor.

Says Leslie Tharp, Visual Marketing Specialist, of working with Architectural Systems, Inc. on the project:
“In designing our LA showroom, the first, it was my intention to give this space an updated and fresh feel. Initially, I started this project by researching different concrete options. We have concrete floors in most of our showrooms, but I had found the installation and upkeep of these floors to not be favorable. This is when I found ASI’s Maxx® Concrete tiles. They had the look and installation advantages I was wanting. After reviewing the entire product line, I found that the materials/products worked beautifully together. Before I knew it I had specified ASI for the majority of this project. The contrast of the dark ceiling/soffit/wall to the light floor and the textured wall panels to the smooth concrete added beautiful visual and dimensional interest to this project. The bamboo flooring throughout the showroom gives the area a light, fresh, clean feel. The ASI products working together made for a very welcoming and warm space. The ASI representative that assisted on this project was extremely efficient and helpful. Not only did she expedite our orders, she made our project a priority to make sure the process ran smoothly.”

We love doing a tradeshow in our hometown, and so it was a pleasure to exhibit at BuildingsNY, the largest gathering of building and real estate professionals in the Northeast. We had a small, gallery-like booth at the Javitz Center, which highlighted materials for multi-family environments. This is an interesting show because it is geared towards architects and developers and focuses on a variety of spaces: lobbies, living spaces, and common and recreational areas.

Thanks to all the attendees who visited our booth.  We are looking forward to the project opportunities that we are working on from this successful show.

Andrew Cooper is settling nicely into his role of VP of National Accounts, and we thought it was high time to for him to get some face-to-face meetings with some of the people he has been working with. So Nancy Jackson and Andrew hopped on plane bound for Ohio for three events. First stop was to give a sustainability presentation to the design team and purchasing agents at Macy’s Corporate Headquarters. Next we were off to sponsor a terrific RDI event at the new Ikea in Westchester, just outside of Cincinnati, and it was great to get a tour before Nancy presented an updated Innovation of Materials CEU. It was a very well attended event by design firms from both the Cincinnati and Columbus chapter, that was organized beautifully by chapter president, Brain Shafley of Chute Gerdeman. The evening began with a Swedish feast catered by Ikea, meatballs included.

The next morning we had an informal breakfast presentation at FRCH to introducing our newest collections--which are all sustainable--including Placage Veneer Collection, Eco Leather Tiles, the European Hardwood Collection, and our updated Reconstituted & Engineered Wood Veneers.   See the products highlighted on the right.

Michigan: JGA Office Visit
Events and Happenings
Featured Project
IIDA Hospitality Forum Wrap-Up