How do you nail down the definition of contemporary? Ask an expert like Suzanne DeRusha, president of Suzanne Kimberly Design. In this episode of Element Sessions, an Element Designs podcast, host Sean Heath explored the fundamental principles of creating successful contemporary designs with the noted designer.
So, does contemporary design have a firm or fixed definition? Yes and no.
“Modern and contemporary are often transposed or used together, and that’s because typically consumers don’t know the differences,” DeRusha said. “But the style itself is always changing. Trying to keep your finger on that pulse is like knowing what each manufacturer is thinking and who their innovative brains are.”
That’s because ever-changing technology and functional engineering constitute a big part of contemporary style and design, DeRusha explained. Cabinet hardware function has come a long way with soft-close hinges and lift-up doors, for example. These are functional upgrades but represent a new sleek aesthetic that is prominent in contemporary design.
In this episode, DeRusha and Heath discussed the old debate of form versus function in design and the newer question of whether advances in materials drive design, or do design requirements cause material evolutions.
“We are living and designing in a time that all the elements are merging in perfect harmony,” DeRusha said.
For the latest news, videos, and podcasts in the AEC Industry, be sure to subscribe to our industry publication.
Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!
Twitter – @AECMKSL
Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale
With the healthcare landscape seeing many evolving changes, employee engagement is no longer just a buzzword — it’s now a business imperative. Amid rising turnover and persistent staffing shortages, organizations are under pressure to build resilient, engaged teams. According to Gallup, 70% of the variance in team engagement is tied to one factor: the…
Pharmaceutical manufacturers are under increasing pressure to deliver sterile, high-quality medicines in smaller batches and faster cycles. As pharma manufacturing evolves, regulatory demands have intensified, especially following the 2023 revision of EU GMP Annex I, which places new emphasis on contamination control strategies, improved traceability, and minimizing human intervention throughout production. According to American…
Running a business can feel isolating without peers who understand the weight of leadership. Madison Harris, founder of Cobalt Fund Services, found the peer guidance he needed through Purpose Factory. He gained strategic insight and real feedback from seasoned entrepreneurs at a time when his business needed clarity and structure. Harris realized Cobalt wasn’t…
Entrepreneurs often take on too much, attempting to manage every aspect of their business. For Jeremy Scott, Owner of Summit Cove Realty, Purpose Factory offered the structure and peer accountability needed to delegate, refocus, and expand his business acumen. After juggling responsibilities in sales, investments, retail, and utilities, feedback from fellow members led him…
Embrace the future of grain storage as Jon Brown, Director of Facilities for MKC Properties and Producer Ag, guides you through their state-of-the-art, automation-driven facilities. Discover how they truly set industry standards for efficiency in loading, unloading, and handling grain. What You’ll Learn — The Evolution of MKC and Producer Ag’s Grain Facilities —…
In this enlightening episode of the Built Modular podcast, Lynette Wooten, Transactional Sales Rep for Boxx Modular, sits down with host Michelle Dawn Mooney for a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of modular construction. Lynette provides a detailed overview of the numerous benefits of utilizing modular offices over traditional buildings, bringing light…
