As Grace McNamara Inc. enters our third decade, part of our mission is to be a catalyst for the rapidly changing design landscape. We are committed to keeping our audience inspired, informed, involved, and above all, influential. "We're passionate about being an agent of change, and working with our readers, advertisers, exhibitors and attendees to build a stronger, more dynamic, successful industry." explains Grace McNamara.
In order to more fully understand and address this change, we have invested in extensive research into consumer behavior, new product development, style directions, and the many inter-related aspects of the industry. The result is GMI's trend unit. INTERIORS design intelligence integrates style and trend colors, demographics and marketing information, and new products and design ideas. IDI is unique in its intimate environment, which features a unique kind of interaction, helping the attendee to realize that what we are sharing isn't out of reach information. Grace tapped leading design professionals to contribute their experience and observations.
Deb Barrett
Deb Barrett is the principal of Window Dressings, Inc., a custom window treatment and soft furnishings firm near Chicago, Illinois. Barrett is an award-winning designer who has built a reputation for cutting-edge couture treatments, and is also a professional speaker, columnist, and author. Her work regularly appears in leading industry publications. During her successful tenure in design she has had extensive experience in a broad range of areas. Her fascination with what’s around the corner and the constant search for inspiration has led her to her current role as a trend specialist for Grace McNamara, Inc.
More about Deb:
Favorite organizational task: Sorting paper stacks on the floor in my office.
Dream project: Each project is your dream in the midst of it.
Ideal vacation: A month in the south of France.
Favorite reference book: Depending on what I am working on, it's either The Vogue Sewing Book or Window Treatments.
Fondest memory: Sipping Saturday morning coffee from a demitasse cup with my grandmother and mom
Indulgence: A great red wine with dark chocolate.
Joan Willis
For 30 years, Joan Willis has managed the drapery workroom for Robb & Stucky. As the owner of Patterns Plus, she has created 80 custom window-treatment patterns. Her books include Patterns Plus Guide to Exquisite Window Creations, Soft Furnishings Sketchbook, Arched Window Fashions, and Bays, Bows, and Corner Windows. A Window Fashions columnist since 1991, Willis is a WFCP Expert and instructor. Joan presents the Construction Zone on the first day of the IDI conference.
More about Joan:
Favorite organizational task: Organizing left-over fabrics in my workroom to see what goes together for samples for my classes.
Dream project: A formal treatment that includes swags and swagging panels, with different styles of trims that match.
Ideal vacation: A great beach resort with great food – especially dessert!
Fondest memory: My wedding to Frank 25 years ago.
More influential presenters will be added per show. Please make sure you check back to see who’s been brought into the show!
|
