Fall Newsletter

    Fall 2008

We had a busy summer!  We have designed another airport lounge, a new UES Restaurant, a condominium complex in PA, numerous residential projects in Manhattan and beyond. With all of this going on we are also helping to make a diference with a pro-bono project in Harlem.   

In an uncertain economy, the tendency is to postpone major changes in our environment. But down times are ideal times to take advantage of what we already have. What small changes can we make? A new paint color, a new piece of furniture, a re-vamp of a tired space can raise our spirits and change the way we see the world.  A well designed office can improve productivity, employee morale, and increase your bottom line. For home owners, a spruce up can improve your relationships and your quality time with your loved ones.

Change your space and change your life. Check out our new SHOESTRING service and let Nirmada make his possible for you! 

 
 andazlighitng  spice
 

Project of the Month
Andaz Restaurant     -     with Scott DeVere Architecture  
 
Scott DeVere Architecture contracted us to assist them with the design of an Indian restaurant on the Upper East Side.  Since Scott DeVere and Nirmada share sustainable design values, we helped them to create a sexy and sustainable interior.
 

spices
 
As is common in NYC restaurants, space was limited and the goal was to provide as much seating as possible, while offering customers a comfortable and intimate setting. We achieved this by lighting the space with pendants from Bocci, which give a candlelight effect to the space. Lanterns enhance the Indian theme in a modern way, while adding a romantic feel.  Banquettes are used for seating, upholstered in Carnegie Fabric's Xorel, which is 100% recycled, durable, easy to clean, and has a metallic sheen that picks up the sparkle of the lighting.  Floor tiles are Eco-Terr by Coverings etc. and contain 80% post-industrial recycled content. 
Eco-Terr tiles were named "Editor's Choice Product Pick of 2007" by Interiors & Sources Magazine.
 

Join the New York Chapter of the US Green Building Council.
 
Have Nirmada design your green project.
 
 kpppDeserving Design - KIPP Infinity Charter Schools 
 
 
 
The super-smart and talented students at KIPP Infinity Charter schools here in Harlem, contacted us to help them with the entry into their school. The school is Housed within P.S. 195/Roberto Clemente Building Complex at 625 W. 133rd Street in Harlem. The students felt they needed a distinct "sense of entry" into their space and are working hard to raise the money to implement our designs. We proposed re-tiling over the existing asbestos floor tile with Forbo's MCT. MCT is made from readily renewable raw materials, is inherently anti-bacterial and indentations resistant, and require no special finishing procedures for easy maintenance. We are using a custom window film with the Infinity logo that can be seen from the school's drive-up entry, which will help to identify KIPP from the building's exterior. We are also providing Blu-Dot's "cycloid" sofas and chairs, which are vandal-proof, yet great looking. Donations for the project are being accepted through KIPP's operations manager Marya Murray-Diaz MDiaz@kippinfinity.org. Donations of time are also welcomed as we need experienced flooring installers and painters to help out with the work. Donations of any kind are tax-deductible and tremendously appreciated. 
 
 Facebook users logon and donate to the cause here.

 Nirmada Responds to falling markets with SHOESTRING service!
 
Need design help but your dwindling 401K is making you hesitate? Afraid of commitment? Interested in trying us on?  Try out new SHOESTRING service!
 
We come to you and in four hours we will give you:
 
- A fresh outlook on your space.
- A clear scheme including concept, color, and furnishings.
- A concise plan to move forward with confidence!
 
 
 
 
In This Issue
Upper East Side Dining
Making a Difference Through Design
Design on a Dime
Featured Manufacturer

fkavor

 
Flavor Paper

Flavor Paper produces unique vintage, contemporary and custom handscreened wallcoverings that will add a burst of flavor to any environment. Located in the Bywater District of New Orleans, our Flavor Lab uses only the highest quality water-based inks and grounds to create premium wallcoverings for retail, home and beyond.
Flavor Paper's distinctive designs and vibrant colors have caught the eye, and palette, of a number of taste aficionados. Rock stars, retailers, nightclubs, restaurants, and savvy homeowners have all added a little spice to their walls with Flavor Paper.
Whether you are a long time flavor follower or are just getting your first taste, we are sure that once you start sampling you won't be able to stop. But don't worry this is one addiction that's good for you.


 

 

 

Wishing you health and prosperity,

Kati Curtis, IIDA, ASID