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Visit to Steelcase
Recently, Michael was asked to join SmithCFI on a trip to visit Steelcase, a giant international company famous for their office furniture. Seven lucky architects and designers were hand selected and sent, mind you on a private jet (!!!) to Grand Rapids, MI, home of Steelcase. During the visit to the headquarters, Michael participated in strategy sessions to look at current furniture trends in the modern office. Above is Michael, along with one of our favorite people to work with at SmithCFI, Shannon Ferrigno.
Michael was also given a sneak peak at Steelcase's new residential furniture line that should be out next year. We heart these exterior patio chairs.
Behind the Scenes: The Mitchell Wine Group
If you've been to our office before, you may already know that we share the building with a few other companies. But did you know that one of these companies is a wine distributor that houses a large basement filled with European fine wines right below our desks! Last Friday, Mitchell Wine hosted a wonderful party with yummy food and spectacular wine. Valerie, Madeline, and Stacey had a particular taste for the cupcakes.
Stupid Paint Color Name of the Week
Hot and Local: Karen Friedman
Gorgeous! Absolutely stunning! That's the first thought that came to my mind when I saw this oil painting of a Peregrine Falcon by Karen Friedman. It looks so personal, like the falcon is trying to tell me something. Well, apparently, it is. This painting, which was commissioned for a client, is part of a series called "Animals in Controversy". This is a series of grouped paintings, each accompanied by a written narrative. The concept of controversy suggests not only endangerment but also issues of general welfare, human and animal interrelation, and questions of human and organizational responsibility.
For commissions, sales and more samples of her paintings, contact Caplan Art Designs: www.caplanartdesigns.com. For questions on "Animals in Controversy", contact Karen at karenfriedmanstudios@comcast.net or visit www.karenfriedmanstudios.com.
Superstar Vendor: Castellano Custom Furniture, Inc.
This is a recent project Michael and I finished. The beautiful sofa lounge was fabricated by Castellano, our favorite custom furniture fabricator in town! We love working with them. They can make anything our lovely hearts desire!The photo to the right is from a visit 
to their workroom. This custom piece was specially designed for one of our client's. The fabric is by one of Michael's favorite designers, Paul Smith for Maharam. We can't wait to see the finished product!
Solution of the Week: Lighting perspective
I absolutely love this photo! Valerie what are you doing down there?!
In order to get the a more real perspective and distance from the light fixture, Jim, our Cascade Lighting rep, has decided to take the daredevil approach by standing on a table, while Valerie has taken the safer approach by sitting on the floor. Oh, the compromising positions we put ourselves in for our clients and design!
Stupid Paint Color Name of the Week
Behind the Scenes: Ann Sacks Factory Tour
Recently, Michael, Valerie and I went on a design industry tour of the Ann Sacks tile factory. It's amazing to think that this well known high-end tile manufacturer is in Portland. Oh Portland, you are filled with surprises! The tour was really great and super educational! Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take photos in the factory, but we could in the showroom! We enjoyed a sneak peek of the new tiles. Gorgeous!
To the right is Cecilia Don, Ann Sack's Portland Showroom Manager, Valerie, and me. Cecilia was very gracious and we learned so much from her! Thank you!
SRM Wins Designer's Choice Award
As we mentioned in our last Details, SRM had the privilege to participate on one of six interior design teams competing at the first-ever Serving Up Style design showcase. The fantasy dining room design event benefited Molly's Fund Fighting Lupus, attracted 5,000 visitors, and brought our team the event's top prize - the Designer's Choice Award!
The Designer's Choice award was the only juried prize at the show chosen by members of Portland's design community, including Randy Gragg, editor of Portland Spaces and Portland Monthly, Bridget Otto of the Oregonian, and Katie McNelis, General Manager of Portland's Crate and Barrel store. 
Along with our partners from Maison Inc., we caught the judges' eye with our theme "Moor, Please..." a fantasy dining room steeped in the aesthetics of the spice trading routes of the Near East and southern Mediterranean.
If you missed the show, you can still see highlights on Flickr!
Stupid Paint Color Name of the Week
Laura Clarry, LEED AP
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