Contract - May 2016 - S9

for thought, innovation, approach, and response
when I'm evaluating.
4 Adaptability is great if it is inherent to the piece.
A good design will be used in ways that the product
designer may not have even thought of.
5 Best of Competition requires an entry to hit all
the marks. For me, it is the thought that always
shines through. As a juror, I've witnessed some
very thoughtful conversations about the nominees.
It is partially about presentation, story, material,
functionality, and need, and often it is a
combination of all of these factors that earns
an entrant recognition.
Chia Ling Khoo
Workplace Strategist
IA Interior Architects
Seattle

1
2

1 Personally, I look for originality, thoughtfulness,
and functionality. When I say originality, I mean
design that is innovative. This could be a simple
update to an existing product that is carefully
executed based on need and research.
A successful new product has to be usable
or applicable, with ease of maintenance,
environmental responsibility, and affordability,
among other criteria.
2 Durability is very much of a concern. As we
represent our clients in selecting and evaluating
furniture, aesthetics are equally as important
as maintainability. Durability is especially crucial
in a high-traffic area. If a piece of furniture fits
the perfect look but does not stand up to wear
and tear, we should provide feedback to the
manufacturer, who appreciates our attempt
to help evaluate the product.
3 It is very important to always push the envelope
while creating new products that fit the everchanging industry need.
4 There is no one size fits all in design. The ability
of the designer to be flexible and work closely
with both the client and the manufacturer allows
for the highest design capability.
5 Many times, the most outstanding products are
those that help to solve our current and future

1 I look at several different qualities when reviewing
a product, dependent on category and concept.
These qualities generally fall under overall
appearance and aesthetics, functionality and
Louis Schump
concept, quality and durability, sophisticated
Account Executive
design pattern and color palette, comfort, execution
Rapt Studio
and attention to detail, innovation, and overall
San Francisco
material use and creativity. Lead times and costs
are considered as well, but I don't allow that
information to become a definitive factor
in my overall selections.
2 Durability is so important. Experienced
designers and facility managers specify contract
furnishings of great quality because they
provide a long-term value to the investments
of our end-users and clients over time. Additionally,
in schools or businesses with high-traffic
areas, the furniture needs to be high quality
just to withstand the day-to-day activities.
3 We always want to be innovating because product
design significantly evolves over time. Originality
piques our interest and gets us thinking about
how to enhance the interior environments of the
I am looking for that product that is obvious
future. However, in my experience, a traditional
and intuitive, yet no one has thought of it before.
product concept that is designed and executed
The life span of a product should match the needs
extremely well will likely win over a product
of the client, the project, and the environment.
that is overtly attempting to be innovative.
Compostable furniture, anyone?
Our business, and many of our clients' businesses, 4 The importance of adaptability would depend
on specific client requirements, such as what
are built on intellectual property. It is hypocritical
the client desires, changing configurations,
to specify imitations.
the ability of the facilities staff to keep
Each client has a very specific set of concerns, values,
up with configurations, and how an office is set
and aspirations that must be addressed. Sometimes
up to support that type of arrangement.
the right answer is not in the marketplace, and
5 In my view, there are several aspects of a product
modification or customization becomes critical.
that make it stand out for Best of Competition.
In order for a product to rise to Best of
Features that I look for include sophistication,
Competition or receive an Innovation Award,
comfort and usability, well-executed detail
it needs to redefine our understanding or
work with regards to material use, high quality
appreciation of some part of our experience.
materials, thoughtful design concept and
The experience of buying, touching, or using
functionality, and originality.
the product needs to make you smile.
needs with thoughtful design research-based
backing and a story to tell.

Katie Titi
Team Leader II, Facilities
Raytheon
Boston

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Contract - May 2016

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