Contract Magazine - April/May 2020 - 14

EDITORIAL

Uncertain Times

We live in extraordinary times. Because of COVID-19 and the World
Health Organization's declaration of a global pandemic in March,
the canceling of major architecture and design trade shows, such
as ICFF, HD Expo, and Salone Del Mobile, has left a void for the
design community. Yet one thing I know for sure is that it takes more
than a virus to stop our community's creative minds from coming
up with unique, fresh, and innovative products. While the physical
trade shows won't happen until 2021, we have used this issue to
showcase the many product introductions from the companies that
were scheduled to debut at these important shows. These launches
truly represent what's next in high-end design at home and abroad
across all sectors, from innovative materials to kitchen and bath,
soft contract, and residential crossover. We've also added some extra
hospitality coverage-products that bring the warmth of home
to commercial spaces and outdoor settings.
At Contract, we're always on the lookout for new and
emerging talent, so in this issue we interview up-and-coming
British designers Claudia Surrage and Christian Cowper, of the
U.K.-based Phat studio, who take us behind the scenes of their first
major collection of occasional tables for Bernhardt Design. We also
showcase five design studios that are transforming the hospitality
industry, delivering forward-thinking restaurants, bars, and hotels
from Toronto to Melbourne, Australia.
Doing Good
In other news, I want to take this opportunity to invite and
encourage you all to think about submitting your work to our quickly
approaching Inspirations Awards, celebrating projects and practicebased initiatives that improve the quality of life for those in need

(the deadline is June 5). Winners are recognized for work completed
for clients that serve a worthy cause. The clients, in turn, receive
a generous grant from award sponsor Tarkett. Over the course
of the past decade, Tarkett has given more than $100,000 in grants
to worthy causes. The grand-prize winner will receive a $10,000
grant, while grants of $3,000 and $2,000 are awarded to two additional
projects. It's important to recognize doing good in our design
community. Good luck to all who enter!
Digital Offerings
Like everyone, we are having to adapt and improvise, but we
will keep sharing news, ideas, and creative inspiration. Visit us at
contractdesign.com and follow us on Instagram at @contractmag,
where we continue the conversation on how to navigate these
challenging times, with designer interviews, expert perspectives,
and more. On behalf of myself, the Contract team, and our network
of contributors-our thoughts are with you and we're doing
everything we can to support our design community. Stay safe,
and let's work together to plan for a better future through design!
Sincerely,
Paul Makovsky
Editor in Chief

contractdesign.com

APRI L | MAY 2020

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Contract Magazine - April/May 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Contract Magazine - April/May 2020