Columnist
Column: Crazy Design, Crazy Interiors!
So here’s the big question: can the commercial interiors industry take a cue from the “crazy ones” and embrace a bit more madness to truly innovate? George Bernard Shaw would say yes! He believed progress relies on the “unreasonable” people who push boundaries. Even Steve Jobs called out to “the crazy ones” who “change the… Read More >
Column: Carolyn Mitchell – Celebration of 2024
As I look back at 2024, I realize what an incredibly busy year it has been for the industry, for each of us personally and professionally, and how much we have packed into the calendar at Commercial Interiors UK and Design Insider. We all work at “Contract Speed,” focused on hitting budgets, sales targets, and… Read More >
Column: The cost of good lighting design & the cost of not using it
Historically, good lighting design would often fall victim during the costing process of a project, either by not being considered early enough in the cost plan or being allocated a piecemeal allowance – or, if it escaped one of those two fates, by being one of the first hits on the dreaded VE (value-engineering) list,… Read More >
Column: The Carbon Party is Over – It’s Time To Go Home
Ever feel like you’re swimming in a sea of carbon-related terms, wondering if you’re the only one who doesn’t know what “net-zero” really means? You’re not alone! Carbon jargon has become the new lingo of the eco-conscious, but don’t worry, I’m here to translate this confusing mess into something we can all understand. So, what’s… Read More >
Column: Carolyn Mitchell – Leadership at CIUK Annual Luncheon
In this month’s column, we are delighted to share the keynote address delivered by Carolyn Mitchell, Chairwoman of Commercial Interiors UK, at the recent Commercial Interiors UK Annual Luncheon. Speaking before an audience of 570 members of our commercial interiors community, Carolyn extended a warm welcome to both familiar faces and new attendees. Her inspiring… Read More >
Column: Taking Control – Bluetooth Technology in the Lit Environment
Thinking about our current practice and work over the last three decades as lighting designers, I would definitely say one of the most significant developments in our craft – one with both a creative and technical impact – has been in the area of control. Innovations in LED sources go hand in hand with this,… Read More >
Column: Carolyn Mitchell – Revelling in Our Commercial Community
On the 31st of October, 560 members of our vibrant commercial interiors community will come together for the Commercial Interiors UK Annual Luncheon. Those who regularly attend know this is no ordinary get together —it is an event that is unmatched anywhere else in our sector! For all of us , it’s the must-attend event… Read More >
Column: Carolyn Mitchell – Finding the Information You Need
I’ve seen first-hand how access to timely and relevant information can help suppliers stay ahead and shape their work in meaningful ways. That’s why I’m so proud of what the Commercial Interiors UK website offers to our community. Our website is a dynamic hub filled with the latest industry insights, opportunities, and news. We’re constantly… Read More >
Column: Carolyn Mitchell – Reaching the Right People
How do we find the information, ideas, and knowledge that fuel our creativity and decision-making in the commercial interiors world? How do we get ahead of trends and understand what the client wants? The answers are often found at our fingertips, with the internet and social media, we have a wealth of content available to… Read More >
Column: Human-centric Design, Circadian Rhythms and Lighting
Extensive research tells us that, as humans, we work, rest and play most effectively when we are most keenly attuned to the natural cycles of time – day and night. This recognition was accelerated during the pandemic, when people had time to appreciate how significant a connection to the natural world was to our sense… Read More >
Column: Carolyn Mitchell – Refresh and Reassess this Summer
Over recent years, we in the commercial sector have focused on growing our understanding of wellbeing, incorporating it into the design of commercial spaces, embedding wellbeing into the ethos and culture of suppliers’ companies, and interior design studios. For instance, workplace designs prioritise natural light, biophilic elements, and ergonomic furniture to boost employee morale and… Read More >
Column: Carolyn Mitchell – The Power of Connection
At the beginning of my career, a wise person told me “It’s simple, it’s all about people doing business with people,” and over 35 years later, this is still so true. The relationships we build with colleagues, suppliers, and clients are the foundation of our success in the commercial interior’s world. These connections, nurtured through… Read More >
Column: Learning from the Past in the Interplay of Light and Materials
With recent innovations in lighting technologies and surface materials, the intrinsic interdependence between light and materials is more significant than ever when it comes to the creation of elegant and nuanced luminous spaces. There is much to be learnt from past masters too. With the addition of techniques using improved contemporary integration methods, we can… Read More >