About the author:

Mark Robert Johnson – FAIA / CKD / AIBD mark’s image

Mark Johnson is Principal of MARKITECT, a consulting firm serving the design and building industry. He has led efforts for two Fortune 500 Companies, Whirlpool Corporation and CertainTeed Corporation, to reach the design community, garnering three AIA Continuing Education System Awards for Excellence. Mr. Johnson collaborates with industry leaders like Google, Apple and McGraw-Hill Construction to bring Web 2.0 design tools and continuing education to the industry. Prior to his corporate career, he practiced as a licensed architect, working for top firms including HOK and Moore Ruble Yudell. Mr. Johnson writes and speaks internationally on subjects ranging from sustainable design and technology to design trends in architecture.
Mr. Johnson is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, NKBA Educator for the National Kitchen and Bath Association, Certified Kitchen Designer and a Professional Building Designer with the American Institute of Building Design. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and MBA degree from Washington University in St. Louis, as well as a Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban Planning from UCLA.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Green Design Guide – Industry Events Worth Noting

This week I’m writing about two industry events. One is a research study, the other a conference. Both are focused on lifelong learning, a priority for every design+building professional and here at GreenDesignGuide. It’s my pleasure to be on board as a consultant for the study and as a speaker at the conference.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has engaged Architectural Research Associates (ARA) to conduct an in-depth study exploring the current and future continuing education (CE) needs of the largest architectural firms. This research will help the AIA advise building product manufacturers so they can develop the most effective CE programs to reach design professionals. Sponsors will be able to use results of this research to produce courses and select delivery methods that are optimally useful for AIA and other design professionals. Traditional “lunch+learn” presentations in firms still occur, but the media choices for architects and designers are changing rapidly. Product manufacturers would be wise to keep up with these changes to ensure their products are considered and specified.

If you have an interest in CE and important topical trends like sustainability, BIM, Web 2.0 technologies and reaching design professionals, you will find this study valuable. Contact ARA for a full prospectus at info@archresearch.com, or by phone at 908 369-8003. There’s still time to sign up.

The conference event is Consumer Trends Forum, on May 6-8, at Hotel Kabuki in San Francisco. This year’s theme is “21st Century Trends: Technology, Diversity, Sustainability – Insights to Innovation.” Ten world-class speakers will be presenting over two days. Jeremy Gutsche, founder and CEO of Trendhunter.com, the world’s largest trends network, is slated to deliver the conference’s keynote address. Gutsche will discuss comprehensive strategies for trend identification and how to put these trends to actionable use.

Trends Forum will examine the latest trends in everything from social media and how Generation Y eats, to changing consumer attitudes during a down economy. By examining the consumer through a broad range of perspectives, Trends Forum speakers will provide deep insight into today’s diverse and ever-changing marketplace. It’s an ideal venue for anyone seeking to reach consumers with a message, service or product, whether they are brand managers, research and development executives or other professionals. To view the full conference program, click here. I hope to see you in San Francisco!

Come back next week for another conversation, and share GreenDesignGuide with a friend. If you’d like to comment, I appreciate your feedback. Please suggest ideas or topics you’d like to hear about. Thanks for reading, watching, and commenting… it’s all good.
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Posted by AEC Daily at 12:01 PM
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