FutureVision 2020, an overview of the current state of the U.S. design market along with insights into the social and cultural current that will impact consumers' motivations, values and lifestyles over the next 10 years, will be a featured event at IMM Cologne. FutureVision consists of a group of interior design professionals representing major U.S. markets including New York, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Atlanta. In addition to the presentation, which will take place on January 20 at 11:30 pm at the Stage Area in Hall 3.2, the FutureVision designers will be meeting with European vendors to research new products for the U.S. market and develop business relationships.
FutureVision debuted to overwhelmingly positive reviews at the 2009 NeoCon trade show in Chicago, North America's largest contract furniture market. That presentation examined how the combined volatility of uncertain economic conditions and dramatic changes within the design industry are working to reshape the role of the design professional in the U.S. The members of the FutureVision panel will report from the front lines of this rapidly changing industry.
"The market for design in the U.S. achieved tremendous growth in the last decade or so, but the design consumer is changing, the interior design business model is changing, and there are critical shifts in long-term consumer values and behaviors," said Susan Schultz, a co-developer of the FutureVision 2020. "Given the different demands and requirements based on distinct regional differences; it all adds up to a highly complex market."
About the Futurevision 2020 Design Panel:
As an award-winning designer based out of the Chicago area, Deb Barrett has built a reputation for cutting edge couture treatments and soft furnishings; and is an accomplished speaker, editor and author. Barrett regularly speaks at design industry events on a variety of design, business and trend topics. Barrett has attended and reported on the European design fairs for a decade, developing trend and product reports for design industry clients. Her fascination with what's around the corner and the constant search for inspiration has led her to her current roles as consultant, speaker and design blogger.
Susan Schultz, FutureVision Co-Developer: With a background in design communication, marketing and product development, Susan Schultz looks a big-picture design industry changes with a view as to how companies can best adapt and succeed in a rapidly evolving market. A highly respected speaker at design industry events, Schultz has been covering the European design markets for over a decade, reporting on product and material trends, business opportunities and new design directions. Based in New York City, she originated the first-ever NYC off-site design event to run along with ICFF.
Jackie Von Tobel is an interior designer, illustrator, author and product designer with almost 20 years of experience in turnkey residential and interior design. Based out of Las Vegas, she has authored and illustrated three design encyclopedias for Gibbs Smith and has recently created a line of eco-friendly fabrics available through her website, Jackie http://www.jackievontobel.com/.
Beth Hodges owns and operates a custom workroom in the Atlanta area that provides wholesale drapery, soft furnishings and upholstery services to design professionals. With over 20 years of experience as a business owner, Hodges is also the immediate past president of the Window Coverings Association of America, an organization with over 30 chapters across the U.S., having served in that role for two consecutive terms. Hodges is also an experienced instructor and seminar leader.
Susan Sifakis established her custom workroom in the Boston area in 1996 to provides wholesale drapery, soft furnishings and upholstery services to design professionals. Throughout her career she has pursued educational and business development opportunities, to improve both her own business and the status of the design industry. She currently serves on the Drapery & Design Professional Advisory Board and as a WCAA Industry Education Guidelines committee.
Sharon Woodward is an interior design consultant based in Scottsdale who works with a national client base. In her 15+ years in the design business she has adapted to changing clientele and locations, having moved her successful business from the Chicago area in 2003. She has since served as WCAA chapter president in the Scottsdale region and is the 2010 IFDA Arizona chapter president-elect
About FutureVision: Developed by Deb Barrett and Susan Schultz, two interior design professionals who share a passion for market intelligence, trend development and new business directions, FutureVision is a platform for leading designers and other industry figures to share their insights and experiences with other design professionals through market research, business development consultations, training sessions, workshops and unique opportunities. More information can be found at Design Business RX at http://designbizrx.com/ or email deb@debbarrett.com.