Technology for Designers

We are excited to announce that  Eric Schimelpfenig, AKBD is hosting our next kbtribechat on the latest technologies  for the kitchen and bath industry. Join our Twitter discussion by adding #kbtribechat to your tweets on Wednesday, May 22, 2013, from two to three pm eastern time.

Eric Schimelpfenig, AKBD

Eric Schimelpfenig, AKBD is the founder of SketchThis.net.  Eric has utilized 3D technology throughout his career.  He has taken pencil and paper operations and converted them to 3D, worked with Google on Sketchup’s development, created 3D content for companies large and small, and taught Sketchup to countless students all over the country.

SketchThis also launched a kitchen design plugin for Sketchup.  This plugin is a cloud service that plugs directly into Sketchup and provides a rich catalog of cabinetry and interior components for designers to design even faster with Sketchup.  What use to take hours takes minutes now with this plugin.

He is also an active columnist in Kitchen & Bath Design News, is often hired to teach Sketchup  and speak on emerging technologies for the design field.  He is currently touring the country on a three year teaching tour with Ellen Cheever and Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Eric also runs the social media efforts for  Kesseböhmer (Branded Clever Storage) in the United States, promoting the brand on many different social media platforms.

Here is the transcript for this chat.

Design Rules!

Is the work triangle still relevant?

Even the novice has heard of the work triangle in connection with kitchen design.  It’s the imaginary line between the sink, range and refrigerator. These items need to be thoughtfully placed for efficient use of the space.

Is the work triangle only relevant for small kitchens?

Can we throw out the rule if an island is involved?

Blue is not a good color for the kitchen!

Do you agree with this statement?

Color “psychology” has taught us that not only is blue an appetite suppressant but  food does not look good against it. Does this translate to the kitchen?

Do you have pictures that prove this wrong?

Bathroom sink cabinets should be 34″ high.

This has long been a standard but is changing.  Tall clients often want taller counter heights in their bathrooms but is this a good idea?

We will be discussing these “rules” and more on Wednesday, May 15, 2013.  Join our Twitter discussion by adding #kbtribechat to your tweets between two and three pm eastern time. We look forward to your input!

Here is the transcript for this kbtribechat.

Remodeling Economics

There are many aspects to the pre-construction process that need updating. At the next kbtribechat we will be discussing some of these.

Do you agree with the three bid rule?  Many homeowners think they must get at least three quotes in order to get a fair price.  Does this make sense?

Should quotes be free?  Is it reasonable for the client to expect a free in home visit and consultation  for an estimate?  It has become an industry standard but should we move towards changing this?

Do you expect your clients to choose all materials prior to the job starting?  Many contractors are not able to get organized causing inefficiencies,  project delays and inevitable customer dissatisfaction.  How do you handle client choices? Do you make sure all decision makers are present when choices need to be made?

Do you compete with companies who don’t understand the cost of doing business?

Can you compare custom remodelers? Is there an apples to apples opportunity for the prospective client?

Is it worth taking the low bid?

Join us for a Twitter chat discussion on the pre-construction process that takes up much of our time as contractors {Wednesday, May 8th from 2 to 3pm eastern time} by adding #kbtribechat to your tweets.

Here’s a partial transcript for this chat.

Tile Brings the Tribe Together

Join Us for Talk of Tile Trends Direct from the Coverings 2013, Sponsored and Hosted by Crossville Tile

Tile—whether porcelain, stone, glass, metal, large format or intricate mosaic—causes primal stirring among members of the kitchen and bath tribe. The natural materials, authentic details, colors, patterns, textures and endless design possibilities speak to those of us who take part in the creation of beautiful kitchens and baths.

Next week, the tribe will come together in celebration of tile at the Coverings Expo. Some of us will gather in person on the show floor in Atlanta, others will convene online, and all of us will glory in discussion of the latest styles and trends. For such an ancient art form, tile has truly timeless appeal.

Coverings is the premiere trade show for the tile industry. Each year, tens of thousands of professionals from around the world converge to experience the most current products, programs and innovations. With #KBTribeChat on site, members of the tribe will get a firsthand glimpse into the most current advancements in tile from across the globe.

Our chat will be hosted by domestic tile manufacturer Crossville, Inc, maker of sustainable, sophisticated porcelain, stone, glass and mosaic tile collections. We’ll convene in the Crossville booth—# 7259—at our standing chat time: Wednesday, May 1st at 2 p.m. ET. Make plans to join us from wherever in the world you’ll be for a great time indulging in tile talk.

Here is the Pinterest board for this chat!

Here is the transcript for this chat!

 

Our #KBIS2013 #Kbtribechat Recap!

Tomorrow (April 24th) we will be sharing our KBIS 2013 finds.  Those from our group who attended the show will tell about the new products they found , emerging trends they spotted as well as show highlights. Get your pictures ready!

Join us on Twitter from 2pm to 3pm eastern time by adding #kbtribechat to your tweets!

Here are our Pinterest boards on KBIS 2013:   The Best of KBIS 2013

Group Board:   KBIS 2013

Here is the transcript for this kbtribechat.

What Inspires You?

With the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show and High Point Market this weekend…and Coverings in two weeks, we are prompted to reflect on what inspires us.  Traveling, especially to historic places like New Orleans, and trade shows are exhilarating and full of design inspiration. Where else do you find your inspirations?

Share what inspires you!

Join us on Twitter next Wednesday, April 17th, from 2 to 3pm eastern time.

Here is the transcript for this chat.

Sustainable Design

When planning a kitchen or bathroom, can anything be done at the design phase to help with sustainability issues?  We know that building material and product choices are very important, but what design elements help create a “slow home” that is easy on the environment?

Use our old kitchens as long as possible??

 

We will be digging deeper into sustainability and design at #kbtribechat on Wednesday, April 10th from 2 to 3pm eastern time.  Share your best design tips as well as favorite eco building materials and products for creating new, environmentally responsible kitchens and bathrooms.

We can make a difference!