I know I’m not alone in my excitement over this issue’s Architect & Designer Awards feature. For the past six months, the competition has been the focus of our workdays as we’ve finalized our panel of judges, watched reviews pour in, and prepared for an evening of celebration. For the professionals who submitted projects, this issue of the magazine represents the culmination of their efforts, which, if I had to guess, began long ago with a first client meeting, followed by a series of drawings and revisions, brainstorming sessions, buying trips, and, finally, installation day. This year we received more than 320 entries! Read all about the winning designs in each of the 35 categories.
The ADAs certainly garner a lot of attention from our readers, but I wouldn’t want you to miss one of my other favorite stories: Cara Downs’ piece on toile. I love the feature (and accompanying images) for all of the fascinating details we learn about this beloved fabric: its Irish roots, the role of copper plates, and the impact of a 70-plus-year cotton embargo by the French. SLAM’s Heather Hughes says that when the French government lifted the ban, the door was opened to alternative styles of home decorating, and the popularity of the printing technique soared. Who among us hasn’t dreamed of a living or bedroom with a touch of this fanciful print? I certainly have, and after reading our article, you may, too.
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Elsewhere in the issue you’ll find an interview with business consultant Erin Joy, whom I met for the first time at a party last year. I so enjoyed talking about her career and insights on women in business that I knew we had to share her story with you. And close to my heart is our short feature on the redevelopment of the Armory by Alexandra Vollman. Years ago a tennis friend gave me a book about the history of the sport in St. Louis, and in it I read about a building whose floors were so slick, they trained a generation of young players, including Arthur Ashe and Jimmy Connors, how to play (and win) the game. Being the tennis nut that I am, I was in awe that such a special place existed in my hometown. Fast-forward to today, and the Armory is starting a new life, thanks to visionaries who appreciate the importance of keeping history alive.
