Week 3

This week I have done pretty much what I have done the previous weeks. I have continued to help organize, and unload inventory as well as meet with clients and go to different businesses and update their libraries and their inventory with Interface's products. So far some of the client's I have met and gone to lunch with have been from Toyota, Wirt Design, Paramount Pictures, and Director of Housing from USC. I have been to countless other business firms to update their libraries, which I have really enjoyed seeing. We have gone to everywhere from architectural firms, to design firms, to a Jewish synagogue, to apartment buildings, and even to colleges such as USC and Pepperdine. This week, I went to a "Mock-Up" installation at the Law School of Pepperdine. We went there because two different installation companies disagreed on which was the best way to install Interface's tiled carpet in the Law building classroom. So far working for Interface has been a great experience because it has allowed for me to come out of my comfort zone since I didn't know much about carpet tile, or a commercial based company. I have learned a great deal about both, and continue to learn more as my internship continues.

Week 3 Trend

According to Freshome Design & Architecture, one of the Top 10 most talked about Interior Design Trends for 2013 is "Going-Green". There are many reasons why "Going-Green" is now such a popular trend; it is better for the environment, better for finical reasons and better for our health. A new trend that is now starting to be seen are green walls and garden rooftops. Green walls are literally live plants that are paneled onto the wall, which add a whole new and refreshing look to a room. These green walls can be set up in such a way to look as if they are a piece of artwork by directing lights on them. These green walls have many advantages to them: "Air cleaning, humidification, evaporation of the air and appreciations from visitors." A few more advantages are noise reduction, and overall they improve energy efficiency.

http://freshome.com/2013/01/29/top-10-interior-design-trends-for-2013/

Week 2

I wanted to give a little more background on the company Interface, starting with what their mission is. 'Achieving Mission Zero' is Interface's mission. "Interfaces dedication to sustainability has evolved into the company's Mission Zero commitment- our promise to eliminate any negative impact Interface has on the environment by 2020." Interface is located in 6 continents. This week once again, I have helped with inventory, I have organized carpet samples, and have had the privilege to ride around with reps, which teaches me the most. I am able to see how the different representatives present themselves and how they "sell" Interface's product. To be honest, being a sell's rep isn't something that I am interested in doing in my future, but it allows for me to learn what and what not to do. I not only watch and learn how the rep's sell the product, but I also watch how either the client or the dealer reacts to their "selling" of the product. I not only am able to see their initial reaction, and the questions that they ask about the product but I also get to hear their complaints or applause about their experience with using Interface's products. At first I was confused about what the difference was between a client and a dealer, but the woman who I work with in the showroom explained it to me. A client is the end user using the product and who actually buy's the product, and the dealer is a "middle-man" between the company (Interface) and the client. It's interesting going to lunch with a client or a dealer after we have had a presentation (presenting Interface's new products or products that we think they would be interested in), because after the business part is done, lunch become's a "personal experience." By that I mean the rep's have created personal relationships with each client and/or dealer, and it's interesting for me to listen to their conversation and see the kind of relationship they have built. I have learned a lot since I have been here about how a commercial business works.

Week 2 Trend

I did some research about what some of the new trends are for 2013. One of the new trends are to use the colors 'Emerald Green' & 'Manaco Blue,' which both are the new Pantone's "it" colors. If your not ready to paint an entire room a bright color, just try a pop of color by adding a colored piece of furniture into the room.  Another trend that seems to be reappearing is the use of Roaring 20's art deco, whether it is seen on the walls or on furniture. "Exposed elements", seem to be another trend of 2013. By exposed elements, I mean surfaces that provide a 'rustic look', such as stone of wood. I've also seen on my multiple sights, that metals are beginning to become a trend again; specifically gold and brass which "designers love how these metallics ooze warmth and pair well with almost any color." Even though bright colors seem to be whats most popular right now, if you aren't comfortable with that, Black and White design is also a trend of 2013, allowing for the room to have a "timeless style." Another trend is the use of "unadorned" wood furniture, which reiterates back to nature. Another home decor trend of 2013 is the use of different textures, it allows for the room to have a completely new and different look. Along the lines of texture, patterns seem to be popular as well, specifically stripes. These are a few of the new and upcoming trends of 2013. I have seen all of these trends from everywhere from personal residences, commercial businesses buildings, restaurants etc.

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/home-decor-trends-2013#slide-1 Provided me with this information.

Week 1 New Trend

Interface has recently created a new program called "Net-Works", which "provides socio-econimic benefits for coastal communities. This project turns recycles fishing nets into a material that can be used in their carpet tiles. They have asked locals from the Philippines, specifically from 15 villages, to collect all of the fishings nets that have washed up on the shore, which Interface then collects and and recycles it back into a re-useable material. Interfaces goal is to collect 20+ nets by April. So far, the end product has turned out to be a really neat and creative idea. The final products have been turned back into a carpet tile, and made to look like waves are coming up on the shore.

Week 1 at Interface

"Interface is the worldwide leader in design, production and sales of environmentally-responsible modular carpet for the commercial, institutional, and residential markets." I've enjoyed my first three days working at Interface so far, (June 10th-12th). This is my first time in LA, and I love the city! I was very intimiated the first day driving to work, I had no idea what to expect. I was greeted by a friendly face who made me feel very welcomed. I am working in one of the Showroom's which is located in downtown LA. The showroom is very "hip", and happens to be a loft, so the showroom is located downstairs, and upstairs they have a bedroom, a kitchen, and a lounge area where they are able to give presentations. So far, I have done everything from organizing, to meeting with dealerships, to watching presentations and going to lunch with clients, (of course with another co-worker). I have already learned and been exposed to so much in just three days, I look forward to learning more. Tomorrow, I am going to a Jewish Synagogue with a co-worker to present new ideas for their carpet. I had the chance to choose carpets that I thought would best work for the setting which was cool.

Here are some pictures of the showroom located in downtown Los Angeles.