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
The college football playoff rankings generate intense debate as the sport undergoes significant shifts due to conference realignments, NIL deals, and transfer portal dynamics. The dominance of the SEC and Big Ten raises questions about fairness, while committee inconsistencies frustrate fans and analysts. For instance, four of the top five ranked teams hail from…
As technology reshapes the AV industry, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are emerging as critical partners for businesses seeking tailored solutions. Whether it’s bespoke LED displays or high-end audio systems, OEM in the AV industry is redefining how companies innovate, differentiate, and meet market demands. This raises a crucial question for professionals navigating this space—how…
In the latest episode of On Time in Full, host Gabrielle Bejarano welcomes Satyen Pathak, a Senior Account Executive at Designed Conveyor Systems (DCS), to discuss trends shaping the parcel market and strategies for companies to remain competitive. With over 20 years of industry experience, Pathak shares his insights into the evolving needs within supply…
According to a study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute, over 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could remain unfilled by 2030 due to a lack of skilled talent. This workforce shortage reveals a critical gap in leadership within blue-collar industries. Without strong leadership to develop teams and foster growth, businesses face inefficiencies, low morale, and…
Superior, WI—BARKO Hydraulics, a Superior, Wisconsin-based company focused on the production of heavy equipment for forestry and logging professionals since 1963, today announced the introduction of a new equipment brand targeting a variety of non-forestry industries, including general construction, scrap/recycling and disaster mitigation, including wildfire prevention and clean-up. President, Justin Rupar, expressed enthusiasm about the…
In the latest episode of On Time In Full, host Gabrielle Bejarano sits down with Seth Taylor, Executive Vice President of Operations at Designed Conveyor Systems (DCS), and Mike Smith, Vice President of Operations at IMI Industrial. The conversation centers around the recent acquisition of IMI by DCS, a strategic move aimed at expanding…
