Archinect - News

IKEA launches personalized interior design service for U.S.

2023-04-12T11:44:00-04:00

IKEA U.S. has announced the launch of an interior design service that offers “professional, one-on-one interior design at an affordable price.” The service sees customers schedule an appointment online to connect with an IKEA interior design expert and embark on virtual sessions to establish a design for their space.

The service is available for both residential and commercial spaces and begins with a questionnaire in which customers describe their wish list and dream space. Customers are then paired with a designer based in their region, who they can communicate with on three virtual, one-on-one sessions to develop a mood board, floor plan, elevations, 3D renderings, a lighting plan, a product list, and tips for materials and furnishings.

With the design and products finalized, IKEA will coordinate the delivery, assembly, and installation of the products. According to IKEA, consumer interior design servi...

Company that projects life-size plans for client walkthroughs is coming to the U.S.

2022-10-06T11:20:00-04:00

A company that projects architectural plans at a 1:1 scale is planning to expand its operations to the United States. Lifesize Plans, headquartered in Australia, describes itself as "the world’s first patented projection system allowing clients to walkthrough their building project in life-size before construction begins."

The company was founded in 2017 by Chris Ghaleb, whose early days included an appearance on the television show Shark Tank. In their large showrooms across Australia, Lifesize allows any project to be projected at a 1:1 scale, while also providing real furniture, household items, partition walls, and decorations to offer clients a deeper understanding of their proposed scheme’s spatial qualities.

Image: Lifesize Plans / Instagram

"With the use of state of the art technology and tailored programs we are able to show your complete dwelling – including upper and lower floors, backyards, swimming pools and entertaining areas, along with driveways and parking spaces to...

Nordic architects' open letter reignites scorching Autodesk criticism

2022-09-21T15:47:00-04:00

Some of Northern Europe’s leading architecture firms have signed an open letter lamenting the lack of “serious development” laden in Autodesk’s proprietary design software, an aging suite of tools the authors claim is asking usurious prices despite neglecting years of industry-wide complaints.

The letter addressed to Autodesk CEO Andrew Anagnost was written by the Association of Consulting Architects in Norway (AiN), the Association of Finnish Architects’ Offices (ATL), the Association of Architectural Firms in Iceland (SAMARK), and the Danish Association of Architectural Firms — each the largest professional architectural bodies in their respective Nordic home countries and representing more than 14,000 architects combined. Its contents included pointed criticisms of the multi-user license system, the incompatibility and lagging interoperability of Autodesk products to each other and to modern computing systems, and continual price gouging.

Their invective offers an update to a 202...

Snøhetta explores new project delivery standards with their latest book "Lean methodology in Design and Construction"

2020-06-29T15:49:00-04:00

Recognized for their distinct approach within architecture and landscape design, Snøhetta has published a new book highlighting their efforts to "recognize a potential to further challenge existing industry standards by developing new Lean key principles in the complex merge of design, construction, process planning, and BIM technology."

The book was initiated in 2017 and was developed alongside Statsbygg (the Norwegian Directorate of Public Construction and Property), engineering and consulting firm Atkins, and Danish construction and architecture firm Rambøll.

Lean methodology in design and construction book. Image courtesy of Snøhetta

The Faculty of Fine Art, Music and Design ("KMD") in Bergen, Norway. Image courtesy of Snøhetta

Following project experiences gathered during the design and construction process of the Faculty of Fine Art, Music and Design ("KMD") in Bergen, the firm wanted to explore new ways for exploring and publishing industry standards.

Image courtesy of Snøhet...