Blu Dot hires a new chief creative officer, Nemo Tile + Stone opens a sprawling gallery in New Jersey, and more. Here is the latest news to know from manufacturers across the globe:
Blu Dot appoints Sam Grawe as chief creative officer
Modern furnishing brand Blu Dot has named Sam Grawe as its new chief creative officer. In his new role, Grawe will oversee the brand’s creative output and be a key partner in shaping its go-to-market strategy. His background includes roles at Herman Miller, where he served as editorial director followed by global brand director, and helped to transform the B2B company into a lifestyle brand for the contemporary consumer. Grawe also partnered with Nike to author the company’s first book, Better is Temporary, and, most recently, he served as the chief brand and marketing officer of the Eames Institute, a new non-profit dedicated to promoting the legacy of industrial designers Ray and Charles Eames.
B&B Italia debuts Boston flagship store
Italian furniture company B&B Italia has opened a flagship store in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. Spanning 12,500 square feet across two floors, the store boasts a curated display of offerings from B&B Italia, Maxalto, and Azucena, lighting from Flos and Louis Poulsen, and designer kitchens by Arclinea. Created around the concept of the Collection (which launched during Milan Design Week 2024) and B&B Italia’s 360-degree approach to design, the flagship emphasizes timeless, contemporary design. The space shines a spotlight on new products as well as classic collections that have left a lasting legacy on the design world.
Yellow Goat Design hires Sheridan Markham
Yellow Goat Design—a lighting, screen, and sculptural art design company—has appointed Sheridan Markham as design associate. Markham will work with YGD’s in-house design and production teams to manage projects from concept to approval. She will also aid in business development, meeting with the A&D community to demonstrate how the company can help bring their design visions to life. Drawing on her interior design experience, Markham will also play a key role in bringing new design collections to market. Markham previously worked at BDHM and Goodrich, where she contributed to projects for major brands including IHG, Hyatt, Google, Union Square Hospitality, and Royal Caribbean.
Nemo Tile + Stone readies to open New Jersey gallery
New York-based Nemo Tile + Stone plans to launch the Nemo Slab Collection Gallery in Lyndhurst, New Jersey this winter. Showcasing premium porcelain and natural stone, the 30,000-square-foot facility aims to meld artisanal tradition and innovative technology into a curated collection that is both accessible and inspiring. Displayed products will include slabs in a wide range of sizes, thickness, textures, and colors. More than a showroom, the gallery will also host hands-on community workshops on slab installation and fabrication techniques.
Tina Brennan named VP of marketing and sustainability at Stylex
Commercial furnishing company Stylex has announced Tina Brennan as its vice president of marketing and sustainability. Brennan’s passion for design and sustainability has been a driving force throughout her career, which includes roles at Architectural Digest and Interior Design. In Brennan’s most recent position at Metropolis, she transformed industry conversations around sustainability, DEI, and design technology. She also co-created impactful initiatives such as Future100, celebrating emerging design talent; the Sustainability Lab, a hands-on NeoCon exhibit; and the Climate Toolkit for Interior Design, which equips designers to reduce the carbon footprint of their projects. Brennan also previously served as head of brand at Humanscale, where she developed strategic marketing plans to drive global brand awareness and highlight the company’s sustainability efforts.
Porro launches its first U.S. showroom in New York
Italian furniture brand Porro—guided by architect Piero Lissoni and company president Lorenzo Porro—has opened its first U.S. monobrand showroom in New York’s NoMad district. Designed by West Chin Architects & Interior Designers, the space draws visitors in through two street-facing windows. Inside, furniture and systems are arranged with a balance of rigor and lightness, allowing designers to explore an expansive range of products in various materials and finishes, including 19 wood species, 31 glossy and matte lacquers, 31 back-painted glass options, and more. From light woods and cuvée to intense woods like ebony and eucalyptus, Porro’s designs are brought to life through distinct settings—from a living area and dining room to a bedroom and home office—that each tell its own story.
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