Keeping the tradition of American craftsmanship alive, Brian Preston founded Lamon Luther in 2009. It specializes in producing handcrafted, high-end home furnishings and accessories such as one-of-a-kind dining tables and cutting boards. The company is dedicated to supporting its craftsmen and helping them sustain a better life. The carpenters use their talented wood-working skills to design beautiful furniture made from reclaimed wood. And, behind each piece there’s a story to be heard.

Lamon Luther first started recruiting builders and craftsmen who had found themselves homeless and living in a forest near Douglasville, Ga. due to the financial crisis in 2007. As the company evolved, it was able to hire more craftsmen who had fallen on hard times. They currently feature eight artisans who specialize in anything from crafting with their hands to welders.

For more about Lamon Luther and the company’s amazing efforts to help those in need, please watch the video below.

As one of Architectural Record’s chosen case studies of “Schools of the 21st Century,” the new early-childhood education building, Earl Shapiro Hall, at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, is a marvel of sleek design and utility. Founded by John Dewey in 1896, “Lab,” as it is colloquially known, stresses the approach of “learning by doing” and demonstrates this unique style in the architecture of its newest addition.

Architectural Record – April 2014

A staunch departure from the neo-Gothic architecture of the Lab’s main campus, designer Joe Valerio of Chicago’s own Valerio Dewalt Train Associates, with FGM Architects, took a very modern approach to the building. Several blocks east of the Lab’s other facilities, Valerio was challenged with working outside of the rest of the school’s architectural framework. In reference to the many differently scaled rooms, “Really controlled space is pretty deadening,” said Valerio.

Architectural Record

Therefore, classes share small adjoining rooms meant for extracurricular activities, and outdoor “playscapes” are perched atop the roofs. Though it still strikingly resembles the University of Chicago’s traditional Collegiate Gothic style, the expansive truss-supported interior is very welcoming. However, Earl Shapiro Hall’s modern influence is also evident in the cantilevered library that rests over its steel-framed administration wing, completing the structure’s flashy outer features. These include cream-colored brick, reflective energy-efficient glass and perforated aluminum fins arranged in a variation of the Fibonacci sequence.

Architectural Record

The school’s “learning labs” have glass walls that provide expansive views of the city and are meant for cooperative lessons between classes. The open feel to the rooms is meant to foster social development, bringing children “outside” and pushing their boundaries. Though Lab School director David Magill admits the building does not have “that hugging space” of older buildings built to smaller scales, 13-foot ceilings and rooms of every shape give children the space they need for their minds to run wild.

Architectural Record

Air Vent Inc.

Air Vent Inc. manufactures a full line of attic ventilation products, including durable, high-performance ridge vent systems. Its Pro Flow™ Vented Drip Edge combines venting with a drip edge and is used to provide intake ventilation in homes with little or no soffit area. Air Vent also offers The Edge™ Vent, a shingle-over roof-edge component that provides proper intake ventilation with little or no overhang. It can be used to supplement existing soffit or undereave vents. Both products supply 9 square-inches of net-free vent area per lineal foot.

Air Vent The Edge™ Vent

Azek Decking and Trim

Azek offers low-maintenance products that are impervious to moisture and insects in efforts to limit the hassles associated with traditional wood decking and trim. Its limited lifetime warranty is against fungal decay, blistering, peeling, flaking, cracking, splitting, cupping, rotting, and other structural defects. As an all-encompassing product, Azek’s low-maintenance trim was featured in Money magazine’s “The Carefree House” article and has received rave reviews from various builders and decking companies.

Azek Decking & Trim

Icynene ProSeal Eco

Since 1986, more than 300,000 residential and commercial projects have utilized approximately 3 billion board feet of Icynene spray foam insulation. In response to the demand for more eco-friendly blowing agents, one of its newest product developments includes a 100-percent water-blown, medium-density, closed-cell spray foam for its portfolio of SPF solutions. Icynene says ProSeal Eco is a smarter and more environmentally sound replacement for chemical-based, closed-cell spray foam insulation builder products. 

Icynene ProSeal Eco

If you have used these products before, let us know your experience in the comments below. Also, take a look at our Pinterest page for more great products across all our specified industries.

#1: Be mobile-friendly for Millennials, and Just About Everyone Else on the Web

According to Cisco Systems, the number of mobile Internet users is expected to reach 1.9 billion by 2015. This means the Millennial generation may not “hear” you if your website is not “responsive.” And, in all reality, nearly all web users today are savvy enough to seek their needed information through multiple digital formats – from desktops to handhelds.

What do we mean by responsive? Our peers at Mashable.com describe responsive as the ability for a website to automatically format itself based on the device on which it is being viewed. As sales increase for tablets and smartphones, so increases the demand for mobile-friendly web design. Now, the question to ask is, “Do you need a mobile web design or a responsive web design?”

With a mobile web design, a devise-user will be automatically forwarded to your mobile-compatible webpage when they attempt to view your main website. This may be useful if you only want to limit capable actions through mobile devices, similar to the differences between online banking websites and their corresponding mobile apps. A responsive design will adjust the main website to fit the device being used. This model is easier to maintain and is a great option for companies that update content often, such as news sites or online retailers.

Photo Credit: Squixa.com

#2: Boost Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

This is a race to the high SEO finish line! Webopedia defines SEO as “a methodology…used to increase the amount of visitors to a website.” SEO can be visually defined as a website’s “placement” or “ranking” when the URL is inputted to a search engine. The sites that appear on the first “search results” page have the highest quality of SEO. So, how does a website achieve high SEO?

First, make sure your site is accessible via search engines by using appropriate tags, Meta tags, and commonly searched words within your industry. Meta description tags appear in search engine results pages and give the web surfer an overview of what your site contains. Your Meta tags should be created, generated and posted via Google and other search engines for most, if not all, pages of your website. Title tags appear in the title bar of the browser and are one of the factors used by search engines to determine the content of your page. Using “keyword rich” title tags within a 60-character limit will help search engines locate and rank your page appropriately, according to the web surfer’s search criteria.

Note: Do not excessively tag each page with the same keywords and phrases. This will cause search engines to identify your site as spam, and it could lower your SEO ranking. Make each page unique with relevant content on the page. The content needs to be exclusive within the pages of your site and in comparison to others, especially your competitors.

If writing descriptive tags while using commonly searched words for search engines is not one of your strengths, outsourcing with a company that specialize in web development and copy writing, such as our ECPR team, will benefit you greatly in your SEO improvement initiative.

Click here to learn more about SEO from “SEOman!”

On February 8, 2014, President Obama signed the Agricultural Act of 2014, commonly known as the Farm Bill, into effect. A new Farm Bill is passed approximately every five years and the latest bill, comprising a staggering 1,000+ pages, will yet again have a major effect on the agriculture, horticulture and floriculture industries, particularly the farmers and growers whose life work is harvesting the crops on which the country depends.

While many in these industries have been keeping a watchful eye on the status of the bill, the complexity of government legislation may have left some without a thorough understanding of its influence on their day-to-day businesses.

Photo credit: Michigan State University, The State News

Farmers and growers, review this concise overview which covers a few of the essential, major components of the Farm Bill our team believes to be most applicable, and learn how it will impact you.

Agriculture: Both farmers and consumers will be affected by the 2014 Farm Bill. The reduction of food stamps has brought about mixed reactions, yet the progress in the food industry delivered by the bill is notable.

• SNAP, most formally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, will be decreased to some citizens. However, those still able to utilize the program will have better access to more nutritious food, as SNAP benefits have been doubled at farmer’s markets under the Farmers Market Promotion Program. Addressing the critical issue of nutrition and public health is vital; this program, and others, will drive revenue for regional farmers and lead to expansion.

•  With only 2.2 million farms producing our nation’s food, and less than 2 percent of the U.S. population working them, the uncertainty of crop yields can deal a detrimental financial blow to farmers. What many experts consider the bill’s biggest attribute to be is a new insurance policy, which will support farmers in times of loss and help risk management.

Are you a grower of Christmas trees? A battle in the long-fought war against artificial trees was won with the signing of the bill by President Obama. A 15 cent tax will be placed on every tree sold and the funds, estimated to total $3 million in the next five years, are being directed to research and marketing to further promote the live tree industry. Horticulture / Floriculture: The reach of the 2014 Farm Bill will go beyond farmers of food; those in the nursery and floriculture trade will see increased funding to several beneficial programs.

• Several diseases have plagued the nursery grower industry in recent years, including the fungicide-resistant impatiens downy mildew disease, the quick-spreading boxwood blight and new invasive insects. The Farm Bill will lend millions of dollars more to pest and disease research, among other programs that safeguard nursery production.

• Along with fruits and vegetables, horticulture and nursery crops are designated as specialty crops by the U.S Department of Agriculture. The Specialty Crop Block Grant and Specialty Crop Research Initiative will both work to help enhance competitiveness for these crops against staple and highly lucrative crops such as soybeans, rice and corn. The block grant will involve both state and regional industry associations on marketing campaigns, while the crop research aspect will bring the necessary attention to the organic agriculture and horticulture industry.

Overall, citizens of the United States have a right to nutritious food and healthy crops of all kinds. While some people may not agree with the Farm Bill in its entirety, it is hard to deny the need for funding that will improve public health and wellness. This new legislation is allowing average citizens the ability to buy healthy food and granting hard-working farmers the capacity to grow that food, along with successful plant cultivation that aid to environmental and human well-being.

The growth of several industries is leading to major advancements in residential kitchen designs. With the consistent growth of the organic farming and food market in the United States, homeowners are becoming more and more conscious about their diets, which is also affecting their food prep spaces. In addition, the surge of available “smart appliances” and sustainable building materials in commercial kitchens is evolving even the most basic kitchen appliances, and has crossed over into the residential market. Thus, builders and designers are working to help their clients fashion chic, upgraded and functional kitchen spaces with new and innovative technologies.

K+BB January 2014

In its January 2014 issue, Kitchen + Bath Business shared the latest in commercial-style, sustainable, efficient and wireless technology now being found in residential kitchens.

Double ovens were once exclusive to major restaurateurs and caterers, but now the appealing features of LED screens displaying recipes, cooking guidance and customizable cooking cycles have reached home culinary enthusiasts.

Along with cutting-edge features, luxury and conveniences normally reserved for fine dining are also appearing in residential kitchen designs. While wine refrigerators are not necessarily new to residential kitchens, wine dispensers are providing a new experience for wine connoisseurs. No longer do wine lovers have to anguish over spoiling an unfinished bottle; their favorite Sauvignon Blanc can be easily stored and kept at the perfect temperature, ensuring that it is readily available at the touch of a button.

As all architects, designers and builders know, materials used for the home must fit the specific needs of the client. When it comes to kitchens, countertops are easily the most substantial element. Commercial kitchens have long ago adapted to be both heat- and scratch-resistant, and now both natural and synthetic sourced materials are becoming stylish options for homeowners who wish to utilize this commercial-like durability.

K+BB January 2014 – Residential Kitchens Are Taking a Page from Commercial’s Playbook

Keeping up with the latest in home products and technologies to recommend to clients is imperative, and there’s no better way to accomplish the task than attending industry conventions and events.

KBIS, the leading kitchen and bath industry show, and IBS, the largest annual residential housing construction trade event, will co-locate during Design & Construction Week, beginning February 4 – 6, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nev. This year will mark the first time the two premier shows and associations have joined together to exhibit the latest industry products, trends and technologies.

Designers, builders and retailers, don’t miss this opportunity to experience the newest offerings from top brands for all home needs and learn about high-tech and innovative products that can upgrade your clients’ kitchens.

Click here to read the full K+BB article and here to learn more about KBIS.

Outdoor rooms are in! – The improvement of the national economy and housing market has had a great effect on the outdoor furniture, landscape and hardscape industries, as homeowners are gaining confidence and investing in their backyard spaces. In a recent issue, Casual Living, a leader of the leisure market, declared that the outdoor room trend that began nearly five years ago is seeing steady growth as the economy recovers.

Casual Living December 2013

Landscape designers and architects, stay ahead of the game and implement outdoor living space trends, sourced from Casual Living, into your next project.

1. Add fire pits for a touch of luxury. Due to the surge of consumer confidence, outdoor living enhancements and luxuries like fire pits and fireplaces are becoming more prominent. The addition of fire pits is attractive, in that they call for accompanying cozy seating furniture and arrangements. Try wood-burning fire pits for a more authentic feel, or convertible fire pits. Some convertible fire pits can be transformed from a pond to a planter, making them perfect for year-round use.

Casual Living December 2013

2. Introduce better outdoor lighting. The lighting industry is also catching on to the improvement of the outdoor landscape and hardscape industries with lighting systems appearing more in pavers and walkways. Use well-placed, long-lasting LED lighting outdoors to softly and subtly illuminate your design.

Photo credit – McKay Lighting

3. Expand with outdoor rooms. Consumers are taking their typical indoor home activities outdoors. Design their spaces to meet these needs. Provide adequate seating and gathering room, countertop space for cooking and even technology amenities like televisions. According to Joe Fields, director of contractor services and sales for EP Henry, a New Jersey-based hardscape company, homeowners are no longer building on a second story or room; outdoor spaces are now being built as an alternative. “This is their addition to their home,” says Fields. “It’s becoming an extension of the family room.”

Casual Living December 2013

For more information about outdoor rooms, or to read the full Casual Living article, click the link. http://bit.ly/1lG6ZsN

The New Year is now here and many of us are embarking on the journey to achieve personal resolutions that will overall enhance our quality of life. Much like our desires to accomplish our own individual goals, large and small businesses also jump on the resolution train to help improve operations and increase productivity.

In the ever-changing world of public relations, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest innovations and trends of our industry. PR News is one, among many, go-to sources for public relations professionals to learn about industry happenings, strategies and tactics. To lay the foundation for a productive and successful 2014, Susan Howe, president of global consumer marketing at Weber Shandwick, shares her expert tips in an article titled “PR Insider: Planning, Engaging and Improving for 2014,” which recently published on PR News’ website. Below, we have taken her helpful insights and applied them to the industries in which our firm represents.

Measure, adjust and be honest with yourself about last year

Before planning for the future, we must evaluate the past. By analyzing the data outcomes of programs or promotions or the value of certain services or products, a company can determine what was successful, what needs to change and what can be removed. The analytics process should not be about simply looking back, but to gain insights into what consumers care about and what products and services will engage them moving forward. Two good examples of thorough data analysis are Furniture Today’s 2013 Consumer Report and the 2014 Construction Market Trends, details for both can be found in previous blog posts our team completed. The analysis of this data allows companies to appropriately plan for the future.

Click the links above to view the blogs.

Get closer to the consumer

Howe says, “Engaging people means knowing their wants, likes, needs, hopes, and fears…using those insights to incite action.” To increase consumer engagement, a business must be in-tune with these desires. Once accurate data is acquired, marketing and sales teams will be able to create concepts that fuel a change in thinking and drive toward action.

Customer surveys with good incentives are excellent tools for gathering data directly from the source. For example, home furnishings and garden center retailers could provide brief questions for in-store customers or a short online survey, and in exchange for their feedback, they would be eligible to receive a discount on their next purchase. As a result, over time, the customer data collected would be invaluable information for developing new practices, programs and products.

Click the photo to view Today’s Garden Center’s 2014 Revolutionary 100 Garden Center Survey

Consider the plan in beta

Your 2014 marketing plan is new and in development stages, so it is important to make it adaptable to changes or opportunities, in real time. “What it means is being present for the always-on consumer and sharing a brand story in a relevant way in a relevant moment.” The most successful plans have strategic elements that allow a company to seize advantage of an unforeseen opportunity. A combination of research and a system for quick, active product production and distribution will only increase a company’s ability to react in these moments.

Click the photo to view the full PR News article.

Live collaboratively

A company’s entire team will determine its success in 2014, which includes staff, client and agency partners. Strong leadership and clearly defined roles will help overall strength and competency, while supporting the best ideas will boost morale. At ECPR, we hold weekly company meetings where everyone, from our CEO to our interns, shares their creative ideas on various tasks and client projects. You never know where the next great, innovative idea may come from, so we are always open-minded and attentive to team creativity.

New year, new beginnings. Take these tips, apply them and jumpstart your business’ growth in 2014! Happy New Year!

Every year, the Pantone team, with the input of select industry influencers and designers, creates the spring and fall color reports. These hues become the foundation for the next Fashion Week or furniture market. Oftentimes, many designers and color-enthusiasts will incorporate the new seasons’ color trends in small ways, like home décor accessories, and on grand scales such as a blast of color to the exterior wall of an architecture firm’s latest design project. Below, we have listed Pantone’s 2014 Spring Color Report and provided a few examples, just to get your creative juices flowing. Enjoy!

Pantone® Fashion Color Report Spring 2014

Cayenne: Spicy, yet not intimidating, Cayenne will add a blast of courage to an otherwise neutrally comfortable space. 

Photo Credit – Better Homes & Gardens

Celosia Orange: Named after a stunningly unique flower, Celosia Orange’s vibrant and energetic color radiates warmth throughout this contemporary children’s bedroom.

Photo Credit – Haus Line

Dazzling Blue: While endearing and bold, Dazzling Blue can be used in small accessories or large furniture pieces. If you truly love this color, splash it on the walls, too! 

Photo Credit – Rue Magazine

Freesia: Also influenced by a flower, Freesia is sweet and optimistic; this color is great for the innovative workplace, in paint or plant form.

Photo Credit – The Flowers Avenue

Paloma: Paloma’s contemporary tone is reflected in this concrete building, and both are sleek and timeless. 

Chapel of St. Peter, Campos de Jordao, Brazil, 1987

Placid Blue: The serene nature of Placid Blue makes it a top choice for coastal living. Notice how this shade is used as an accent on the chairs and the bookcase. 

Photo Credit – Willey Desgin, LLC

Sand: With a name like ‘Sand’, one would typically think of the beach, but here we see how Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen’s rustic Los Angeles home utilizes this color’s versatility, inside and out. 

Photo Credit – Architectural Digest

Women’s and Men’s Specialty Colors

Hemlock + Comfrey: Hemlock is a much softer pastel and Comfrey is a bit deeper than the 2013 Color of the Year, Emerald. Both shades are meant to add the natural touch of green to round out the 2014 spring color palette appeal.

Green shades enliven indoor and outdoor spaces.

Radiant Orchid + Magenta Purple: Radiant Orchid’s bold, chic color is the 2014 Color of the Year; its rich-toned counterpart is just as worthy as it exudes a sense of regality.

These vibrant purples and an ethnic print create a culturally chic home accent accessory.

Violet Tulip + Purple Haze: Violet Tulip evokes romance and wistful nostalgia. Purple Haze is a deeper, stronger version of Violet Tulip, but it still has its soft side. 

The blend of these soft violets with the dash of black and Dazzling Blue make a whimsical piece of artwork.

Be on the lookout for the shades of the Pantone® Color Report Spring 2014 and let us know which are your favorites!