![Anvil Studio 02[4]_0](https://www.idsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Anvil-Studio-024_0.jpg "Anvil Studio 02[4]_0")
All work and no play makes for a dull designer. So IDSA is ensuring the 2015 International Conference in Seattle offers some opportunities for attendees to have almost as much fun off-hours, as they will during the conference.
Design Studio Tours, bolstered by light appetizers and beverages, will be offered in the evenings at some of the best firms in the city. You can walk, hop a cab or in some cases, the train. See here for some transportation options.
5-7pm, Thursday, August 20, 2015
- Anvil Studios (911 East Pike St., Seattle, WA 98122) wants conference attendees to experience what it describes as “a product design firm for the real world… attuned to emerging materials, technologies and manufacturing techniques.” The firm, founded in 2008, collaborates on a broad range of industries such as consumer electronics, housewares, wearables, sporting goods and medical and life sciences.
- Artefact (619 Western Ave., Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98104) is welcoming conference attendees with open arms. “We are excited that our beautiful city is hosting the IDSA International Conference,” says Gavin Kelly, principal and co-founder. “Opening the doors to our studio is a way for us to share our experience with the design community and hopefully inspire other designers to not only imagine but start building the Future of the Future. Located in historic Pioneer Square, our studio is an expression of what we believe in and what we strive for—creating meaningful experiences in a culture of collaboration and in an environment that inspires.” RSVP here for tickets to Artefact’s studio tour.
- Tether (316 Occidental Ave. South #400, Seattle, WA 98104) Tether shepherds concepts from initial ideation through prototyping by exploring a diversity of materials and helping commercialize new offerings to provide everything needed to deliver products to market with artistic adroitness and functional brilliance.”Product design, sublimely executed, expresses itself as the ideal marriage of form and function,” says Stanley Hainsworth, chair and chief creative officer. “Style plus substance. Polish embracing purpose. When we partner with a brand to tell their story via product design, we see an opportunity to craft a visually exquisite, sensually tantalizing object of desire.”
From 4-6pm on Thursday, August 20, Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts School of Design will host a reception for its alumni in The Loft, the lobby bar at The Westin Seattle. Reconnect with former classmates and faculty!
Also on Thursday, from 5:30-9:30pm, IDSA International Conference attendees are invited to SIP & EXPLORE storefronts along the 2300 block of 2nd Avenue in the Belltown Neighborhood. Participating storefronts & activities: MOLD launch cocktail party at Object/BCAD, Peter Miller Books and 3×10 Shop open house w/ installation viewing only of Suyama Space. Enjoy extended hours, snacks and beverages by PNW food purveyors. IDSA attendees will receive a free, printed guide to Seattle, with must-see spots . This Food/Design Experience event is curated by co-principal Christa Thomas of WKND studio, in collaboration with LinYee Yuan of MOLD & Charlie Schuck of Object/BCAD. #sipandexplore 2316 2nd Ave. Seattle, Wa 98121
Also on Thursday, join GRAY magazine at 6pm at the Hotel Sorrento, 900 Madison St., Seattle, WA 98104, for cocktails (cash bar). That’ll be followed at 7pm, by the GRAY Conversations panel discussion with graphic designers and creative directors examining innovative ways that companies are making a larger social impact, while making less impact on the planet. Panelists include Joshua Berger, Plazm; Jane Cox, Cause + Affect; Michael Ellsworth, Civilization; and Gage Mitchell, Modern Species. Get your tickets—use the promo code “IDSA” for complimentary admission.
5-7pm, Friday, August 21, 2015
- Leap to frog (413 Pine St., Seattle, WA 98101) to find out how the global product strategy and design firm craft experiences across multiple domains and the connected landscape in the internet of things. “Seattle is a city of durable designs,” finds Scott Nazarian, executive creative director. “The bounty of the natural world and the ambitions of a digital age promote the idea that design sustainability is not merely a commodity but rather an intrinsic value.”
- Synapse (1511 6th Ave., Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98101) is putting out the welcome mat. “The best products in the world have a perfect balance of form and function, which is why Synapse’s partnership with the design community is absolutely critical,” says Redwood Stephens, president. “We’re looking forward to opening our doors to IDSA and further tightening our partnership with the design community.” Jeff Hebert, vice president of engineering, agrees. “Synapse is excited to help illustrate how the worlds of design and engineering intersect—and interact—in our highly collaborative environment to deliver innovative, elegant products.”
- Tactile (2013 4th Ave. #402, Seattle, WA 98121) also is on tap. Literally. “Please join us at Tactile on Friday night to help celebrate 50 years of IDSA’s commitment to great design,” says Josh Kornfeld, principal. “Our office is only two short blocks away from the Westin, and yes, we have a bar. We look forward to seeing you there!”
Finally… another HUGE event (we couldn’t resist)—
HUGE Design is based in San Francisco, but the firm is bringing its anniversary party to Seattle, just in time for IDSA International Conference attendees to join in the celebration. “It’s been a crazy five years!,” says William Webb, IDSA, partner. “Thanks to all our friends, partners and clients for all the support. Please join us from 5-8pm on August 21 for a special, rooftop, happy hour in downtown Seattle.”
Just a few walkable blocks from The Westin, Frolik Lounge is located at 1415 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101—atop the Motif Hotel. RSVP here. “An open bar, rooftop views and pub games await,” adds Webb.