The IIDA’s Recognizing Excellence Awards Gala is being held this weekend in New Orleans, masquerade style. The theme this year is “Unmasking Great Design,” and Alexandra Gibson will be there to tell you how to “Unmask Great Business.”

As a precursor to this event, you can download a free resource guide on why content and education should be essential elements of your website.

Resource Guide: Why Content and Education are Important on your Site

About the event:

JAX Riverview Room
600 Decatur St.
4th Level
New Orleans, LA 70130

“The Recognizing Excellence Awards (Re:Awards) Gala is a celebration and awards ceremony announcing the winners of the individual professional service awards and design competition entries. The Individual Awards honor and recognize the contributions of individual Delta Regional Chapter IIDA members over the past year. The design competition will celebrate outstanding examples of designed interior spaces from the Delta Regional Chapter IIDA members by recognizing the work of peers, promoting public awareness of design excellence, and elevating the interior design profession. This year’s Re:Awards theme of “Unmasking Great Design” celebrates the Pride of Delta Regional in a New Orleans style masquerade theme. Participants are welcome to use the provided mask in the invitation packet. Or, show off your creativity and design talent for the mask competition during the event!”

With Thanksgiving a mere three days away, the GDM team is anxiously awaiting the holiday that brings families and friends together over gratitude, good cheer and delicious food. Because every family’s Thanksgiving meal boasts its own set of traditions and culinary favorites, we’ve decided to each share our most-loved part of Thanksgiving dinner in the hopes that you’ll have a chance to enjoy it, too. To make things easier, we’ve compiled all of our favorite recipes into a downloadable collection of recipe cards for you to print at home. (Or, if a particular recipe peaks your interest, feel free to download individual recipe cards from the links below!)

Apple Orange Cranberry Sauce [Click to grab the recipe card!]

“Since I find the gelatinous glop that comes out of the can, totally disgusting, I had to find a delish replacement, and this has become part of our Thanksgiving tradition.  Enjoy!” – Martha Kirkpatrick, Director, Member Services

Sausage and Herb Stuffing [Click to grab the recipe card!]

“This is actually the first year that I will be cooking (something) for Thanksgiving so I think I’m going to do stuffing.  I have good luck with all of the recipes that I’ve made out of the Barefoot Contessa (Ina Garten) so I’m going to stick with what works!  Wish me luck! P.S.  Be sure to try our Pumpkin Pie Martini from last year’s Thanksgiving.  It’s a definite hit.” – Alexandra Gibson, President & CEO

Grandma’s Corn Pudding [Click to grab the recipe card!]

“My grandmother was an exceptional southern cook.  Every Thanksgiving I looked forward to the delicious food she’d put on the table.  What I looked forward to the MOST was her corn pudding.  Now I bring it to Thanksgiving with friends and/or family every year, and it’s always a hit!” – Amanda Butterworth, Senior Director, Creative Services

Connie’s Cranberry Ginger Sauce [Click to grab the recipe card!]

“My real favorite recipe is my Mom’s dressing that she makes for our family Thanksgiving dinner of 40+ people. We know she makes loads of cornbread and homemade biscuits in preparation, but she doesn’t use a recipe so my sister and I are threatening to video the entire process!  (… Also, this sauce is great on Turkey Day, and even better on a turkey sandwich – leftovers or any time of the year!) – Christina West, Director, Project Delivery

Classic Pecan Pie [Click to grab the recipe card!]

“I love my family’s extensive Thanksgiving meal, but nothing compares to the post-dinner dessert spread.  I have quite the sweet tooth, so I always save room for a few slices of homemade pie (we usually go overboard and have about six options!) while everyone else complains about being too full. This pecan pie recipe from the Silver Palate Cookbook is definitely a favorite – especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.” – Jessye Aibel, Associate, Social Media & Online PR

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

–Theodore Roosevelt, “Citizenship in a Republic,” Speech at the Sorbonne, Paris, April 23, 1910

We at Gibson Design Management think today of those brave enough to fight for our freedoms and our safety, both today and in many years past.  It is those men and women who allow us to continue striving for greatness because they protect our efforts.

We thank you today and we think of you always.

It’s no surprise that the dirty martini, a symbol of refined revelry and exceptional taste, is also Gibson Design Management’s chosen symbol for a reward of member excellence. Each month, the Dirty Martini award is presented to one of our members, honoring the innovative, devoted and impressive achievements of the people we are so fortunate to work with.  And what better way is there to applaud a job well done than by unwinding with a cocktail?

This month, we’d like to congratulate Ciao Interiors from Kalispell, Montana for their award-winning participation in the 2010 Flathead Parade of Homes! This year’s Parade of Homes featured 14 homes –  two remodels and twelve newly-built structures – all exemplifying the finest architecture and design in the Flathead Valley area. Ciao Interiors had the opportunity to design, project manage and furnish a new home for the event – emphasizing detailed craftsmanship (by hand) and locally-produced stone and materials.

With enthusiasm and excitement, Ciao designer Les Bernabi and his wife Linda kept fans (including the GDM team) clued in on the construction progress with updates on everything from art selection to lighting locations. As the “Stunning Lakeside Club Retreat” took shape, we became more and more impressed with the home’s rustic integrity and seamless placement amidst Kalispell’s picturesque beauty. We find Ciao Interiors’ dedication to such an enormous task praiseworthy to begin with, but we are even more thrilled to announce that Ciao won the top three awards for their home – Judge’s Choice (overall best home on the tour), Best Architecture and Best Craftsmanship. Ciao’s Lakeside Club Retreat also had the most foot traffic and was incredibly popular with visitors who toured the properties.

The "Judges' Choice" banner proudly displayed in front of Ciao's masterpiece.

We’re proud and impressed with Ciao Interiors’ finished project, and in total agreement with all the praise they’ve received for their beautiful work. After many months of managing, planning and preparing for the event, we hope Les and Linda of Ciao Interiors have an opportunity to sit back, relax and take pride in this accomplishment – while enjoying a refreshing martini, of course!  Congratulations again to Ciao Interiors, and cheers!

[P.S. If you'd like to see more detailed photos of the home, make sure you check out the Facebook album!]

Alexandra and Amanda have just arrived in New York City to enjoy a few days of meetings, great events, and of course– fun. (Would you expect anything less?)
Kicking off today is House Beautiful’s “Kitchen of the Year“ in Rockefeller Plaza– an event full of cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs, tastings, kitchen design tips, and a fully rendered “Kitchen of the Year” designed by Jeff Lewis. After the daytime activities conclude, Alexandra and Amanda will attend House Beautiful’s “Kitchen of the Year” opening night gala! For more details, watch the video below– and be sure to check Twitter for updates and photos by Alexandra and Amanda.

They will also be meeting with ultra-talented GDM member Ondine Karady at the event, whose 50′s movie- inspired kitchen, “Bumblebee by the Beach,” which was designed for House Beautiful’s “Uncompromising Design“ video series can be seen below.  Alexandra and Amanda have just updated that Ondine’s video has been playing on the big screen in Rockefeller Plaza throughout today’s event– congratulations!  Tomorrow, Ondine’s kitchen design will continue its reign in the spotlight at cooking demos and more sponsored by Jenn-Air.

Credit: Ondine Karady for House Beautiful

Tomorrow, Alexandra and Amanda will attend the Word of Mouth Marketing Supergenius Conference hosted by Gaspedal for some educational nourishment.  The event will feature how-to crash courses in Word of Mouth (WOM) Marketing, brilliant speakers, and real-world case studies.

If you happen to be in New York, head over to Rockefeller Plaza to partake in some of these exciting events. Even if you’re not a design enthusiast, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy!

Again, stay updated on Twitter and follow Alexandra and Amanda as they journey through New York! More to follow…

If you aren’t able to travel this summer, the French Martini might be a winning substitute for any foreign culture cravings (or, at least it will satisfy your taste buds).  This particular recipe was served as a part of last week’s Denver May Market at the Grange Showroom where Alexandra spoke about the importance of company blogs while the audience enjoyed delicious French fare and martinis. Wish you had been there? Luckily, you can create your own French martini and enjoy it wherever you might be on the globe.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Vodka
• ½ oz Chambord
• 2 ½ oz Pineapple Juice

Preparation:

1. Back a shaker full of ice and add all ingredients
2. Shake or stir (Note: the pineapple juice makes the drink cloudy anyway, so the shaking gives a nice light texture because of pineapple juice’s tendency to froth!)
3. Strain into a martini glass.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist.
5. Enjoy!

If you haven’t already signed up for our monthly newsletter, The Gibson, add yourself to the list and a new martini recipe will be yours every month.

I will be presenting at the upcoming Rocky Mountain Designers’ Market at the Denver Design District!  If you plan on attending the Market, or are an interior designer in the Denver area, please come see me for this free event on Wednesday, May 12th at 4 pm at the Grange showroom.

My presentation will cover how a blog can be a great way to better build your brand, to attract your ideal client, and to ultimately help your bottom line.

Special thanks to Grange and the Grange showroom in Denver for inviting me to speak.

Of course, martinis will be served.

For more information on registering for the Rocky Mountain Designer’s Market, click here.

If you’re like most interior designers, you’re feeling the pinch of the economy.  You are not alone.  Some firms are facing difficult decisions about closing their businesses or reducing staff.  At the same time, there are firms that are busier than ever.  What are they doing differently?

They are specialists in eco-friendly and sustainable design.  They’ve built their brand around environmental responsibility and the consumer-driven demand for energy-efficient and healthy spaces and buildings.

In fact, 82% of Americans believe it is “important for companies to implement environmentally friendly practices.” – McGraw Hill

Do you need to be LEED certified to get this business and promote green products and services?  No, but it helps.

If you’d like to know more about how green can help you get business and build a thriving practice, please Click Here

Another study by the American Marketing Association and Fleishman Hillard International Communications shows that 63% of the people surveyed believe that the new administration’s policies will further accelerate the adoption of sustainability programs.

If you are looking for answers to help you grow your firm even during tough economic times, we encourage you to check out and attend Design Success University’s upcoming Green Design Summit – a ground-breaking virtual education program with 11 architecture and design industry experts, NY Times best-selling authors and environmental leaders including:

v  Penny Bonda, LEED AP & “the Mother of Green Interiors”

The New LEED Version 3 -What You Need to Know

v  Sarah Susanka, FAIA, certified Interior Designer & Author

“not so big remodeling” (and how to build a sustainable
practice)

v  Libby Langon, HGTV Star of Small Spaces, Big Style and author.

How to Work With Small Space Clients (plus she’ll share
some of her favorite tips that her clients love)

This is just a small sampling of the outstanding speakers you will hear during this two day virtual event on June 29 & 30, 2009.

No travel is required – you’ll be able to listen from the comfort of your home or office by webcast or telephone.  And, if you can’t listen to all of the calls, you’ll receive downloadable MP3s and transcripts of each session.  If you have employees, you can listen for the price of one ticket.  One ticket per firm, please.

If your colleagues are busy with eco-friendly projects, you don’t want to miss hearing about what you can do to restart and green your own business.

Click Here for more information:

Sign up For the GREEN DESIGN SUMMIT TODAY!!

Click Here

Tomorrow I leave for Chicago to attend Gaspedal’s Word of Mouth Marketing Crash Course.  Gaspedal’s CEO, Andy Sernovitz, wrote one of my favorite business books called Word of Mouth Marketing.  See the book here at Amazon.  I recommend the book to everyone and anyone.

Stay tuned for some great information after I return from the Crash Course.  In the meantime, take a look at the outline of the course by clicking on the button below.  Gaspedal holds the Crash Course every month at the “Catalyst Ranch” in downtown Chicago.  I’m looking forward to it!