Members and guests of Be Original Americas, an organization committed to informing, educating and influencing manufacturers, design professionals and consumers on the economic, ethical and environmental value of authentic design, gathered in Minneapolis on May 2nd to discuss the impact of the Midwest on design.
Moderated by Business of Home editor in chief (and Chicago native) Kaitlin Petersen, the panel included John Christakos, co-founder of Blu Dot; Bill Baxley, managing director at Gensler; Greg Benson, CEO of Loll Designs; and Jackson Schwartz, co-founder of Hennepin Made. They explored how, from Eames to Saarinen, the Midwest’s integral role in design heritage and industrial innovation keeps them at the center of authentic design creation.
Seventy attendees gathered from member firms such as Roam Interiors, Gensler and Rapson, employees from big-box retailers like Room & Board and Target, and designers from firms like Perkins+Will and Leo A. Daly.
“The Be Original Americas have garnered great crowds, stimulating conversation and tremendous support,” said Be Original Americas co-founder Beth Dickstein. “The Minneapolis panel was one of the best! It resonated with the movement and brought great local flavor and support.”
Images by Grace Vo.
