Design Center slates May, June seminars
Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center, a resource for the interior-design community, continues its monthly First Fridays seminars for industry professionals with "A Narrative in Glass" with Martti Rytkönen on May 4 and "Deciding What You Are Worth and Charging It," with Lloyd Princeton of Design Management Co. on June 1.
Both seminars will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at 495 S. Grand Central Parkway.
When he came to Orrefors on a scholarship in 1994, Finland-born Rytkönen began creating a body of work that projected a hip, modern sensibility while evoking the narrative work of Edward Hald and others who shaped the Orrefors style of the early 20th century. He is a storyteller who also loves pure form and color. His works are executed in classic Orrefors techniques, even as he experiments with design and process.
Rytkönen's works incorporate stylized images from nature, history, myth, urban life, graffiti, TV, movies, comics, the art of children and his own playful imagination.
"When it comes to glass, I'm a babbler," Rytkönen said. "I have so many ideas and so many stories to tell that I find it hard to keep up. But working with glass was the best decision I ever made."
Some of his more well-known works include the crystal collections Triangle, Drop and Papillon, which floats on the table like a butterfly with outspread wings.
"Martti Rytkönen is a breath of fresh air in the unique way he designs his glass pieces. His love for story telling is clearly transformed into his work," said Lena Walther, president of Scandinavian Collection. "I am delighted to have the privilege to display and sell his pieces in my Scandinavian Collection showroom here at World Market Center."
Princeton owns the New York- and California-based Design Management Co. and works closely with interior designers and architects. He guides business owners to greater profitability and satisfaction through marketing, pricing and staffing solutions.
While design professionals know how to design, they do not always understand what or how to charge for their services, Princeton said. Add to this the issues of dealing with long-term clients verses new prospects, and the situation is perfect for losing money.
Attendees can earn continuing education units for Princeton's presentation, which he said is ideal for designers, retail store owners who offer design services and other trade professionals.
"A large percentage of designers are less comfortable with this aspect of their business than the actual design process," Princeton said, adding that as competition increases for designers, demonstrating value through the business side of the design process becomes more important than ever before.
Those attending will learn how to determine the best way to charge for their creativity and incorporate it into a solid letter of agreement. Princeton will also cover the interview process and how to screen clients, determining whether or not to meet with them or just say "no."
Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, the design center is a year-round, professional resource offering the newest products, trends and styles in furniture, lighting, floral, accessories, rugs and wall décor.
Reservations for the seminars are requested and can be made by e-mailing lvdc@lvdesigncenter.com or calling 599-3093. Those registering on-site will be asked to make a $20 donation to Safe Nest.
Information courtesy Las Vegas Design Center
