Diversity Initiative Begun by Thermador

IRVINE, CA — Thermador, the Irvine, CA-based manufacturer of luxury home appliances, has launched a major new initiative aimed at empowering a new generation of talent from under-represented communities, the company announced.

The “Thermador Diversity in Design Pipeline Initiative,” launched in partnership with the Interior Design Society (IDS), will support up to five collegiate students in their senior year at an accredited interior design program, the company said. The comprehensive prize package will include a financial scholarship of $10,000 toward tuition, a one-year mentorship program with a hand-selected interior designer, invitations to key industry events and a one-year student membership to IDS, including access to local chapter events and larger professional networking opportunities.

“We feel a great sense of responsibility to ensure we do our part to create a supportive and inclusive environment for diversity, creativity and innovation that allows talent to break into this industry and thrive,” said Beatriz Sandoval, director of brand marketing for Thermador.

Professional designers are also invited to participate by becoming a mentor, Thermador officials said, noting that five mentors will be selected to be paired with each student awarded. These mentors will guide their respective mentees through the year-long programming outlined by Thermador and be invited as guests of the company to the same industry events, Thermador added, noting that recent research revealed that a lack of diversity was a leading concern for the interior design profession, following only a lack of available jobs and competitive wages. Additionally, 34% of all interior designers said they experienced racial discrimination in their career, including 66% of Black designers and 54% of Hispanic/LatinX designers, Thermador said.

 

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Waterstone Faucets to Host Design Contest

MURRIETA, CA — Waterstone Faucets, the Murrieta, CA-based plumbing products manufacturer, will host its inaugural design competition to recognize designers, builders and architects who feature the brand’s products in their residential projects, the company announced.

Entry is free and will be open through Nov. 30 to all Waterstone installation projects across the U.S. and Canada, the company said. Waterstone will choose four winners across four categories: best traditional kitchen design, best contemporary kitchen design, best mud room or laundry room space, and best bar or butler’s pantry space. Winners will receive a cash prize, a three-piece faucet suite from Waterstone and promotion across Waterstone’s marketing and sales platforms, according to the company.

“It’s always exciting to see how designers use our products to create inspiring spaces,” said Chris Kuran, Waterstone founder and president. “We’re looking forward to recognizing the immense innovation and creativity within the design community through our first Waterstone Design Contest.”

Information about entering the competition can be obtained by visiting waterstoneco.com.

 

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AG&M, Pental Surfaces and Modul Marble Rebrand

AUSTIN, TX — Architectural Surfaces Group, a leading importer and distributor of natural stone, engineered stone and tile for residential and commercial applications, has announced the strategic rebranding of its regional brands, AG&M, Pental Surfaces and Modul Marble, as Architectural Surfaces.

The new name leverages the company’s national presence to provide brand clarity and streamline the customer experience for fabricators, architects and interior designers working in both the residential kitchen and bath and commercial construction industries, notes the firm. Customers will now engage with one brand across the 20-plus U.S. markets Architectural Surfaces serves rather than three brands that varied by region.

Architectural Surfaces will continue to have global material sources, national distribution resources and customer-focused operation with roots in the communities and markets it serves, states the company.

“In consolidating under the Architectural Surfaces brand, we brought together the core elements of each regional brand’s DNA to create a more easily recognizable organization and simplify the selection, specification and purchase experience for our customers,” says Patrick Dussinger, president of Architectural Surfaces. “The focus is on authentic relationships between our people and the customers we serve, whether they are fabricators, architects, interior designers or the homeowners they send to us knowing they will receive attentive and knowledgeable service. That’s always been at the heart of who we are, and it always will be.”

Each of Architectural Surfaces locations features a selection of natural stone as well as the latest designs in engineered stone from PentalQuartz or MetroQuartz, curated to reflect the design tastes of that particular market. Select locations also offer a variety of commercial and residential tile brands for indoor, outdoor, wall and flooring applications.

For more information about Architectural Surfaces locations, products and current inventory, visit arcsurfaces.com

 

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