Dawn of the

Digital Age

“Once decoration spoke of ritual, religious iconography, or spiritual images - now I am interested in it speaking to us about our new spiritualism - the spirit of the digital and information age.”  - Karim Rashid

Botanist Designer, Karim Rashid

“Orikami” End Table

“Orikami” Cocktail Table

“Orikami” Bench

The communication of ideas is what designers spend their lives doing.  We are constantly searching for creative ways to reach our audience, to vocalize our vision through our designs - to tell a story.  Messages can be conveyed in an infinite number of ways, especially with the astounding advances made in today’s modern technology.  World-renowned designer Karim Rashid has a reputation for his unique ability to communicate volumes through his fluid, imaginative, and decorative designs.

“I love meaningful decoration,” says Karim.  “Historically, decoration was used as a form of language, as well as a means of denoting the possibility of the human hand, the richness of craft, the workmanship of a period.  With automation and the industrial revolution decoration was developed to carry on the spirit of the past, and a way of ‘humanizing’ industrial objects.  Now in our new digital age we see new digitally inspired decorative language taking place.”

With thousands of objects put into production, Karim’s digital language has graced many aspects of life from furniture to cosmetics, artwork to architecture.  Karim’s “Orikami” series for Botanist perfectly illustrates his ability to speak the digital language fluently, with simple horizontal lines composing a masterpiece of intertwining shapes.  With a color palette of muted champagne and white, the decoration in each Botanist piece has a voice of its own.

As part of the Botanist mission, each designer selects a charitable foundation that benefits from proceeds from their series.  The “Orikami” series by Karim Rashid donates funds to DIFFA.  By purchasing an end table, cocktail table or bench in Karim’s series you vicariously support those in the fight against HIV/AIDS.  Be part of our vision to change the world, one bench at a time.  Let us help you tell your story through responsible modern design that is on the cutting edge of the future.

Karim signing an authentic stainless steel badge for his “Orikami” series at the Chelsea Museum

Karim speaks at the Botanist launch event to attendees about his series

Making a Big

DIFFA-rence

DIFFA (Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS) continues to grant funds to organizations across the globe 

DIFFA’s “Dining By Design” event which benefits HIV/AIDS
Photo Courtesy of Apartment Therapy

For the last twenty-six years, DIFFA has mobilized the immense resources of the design communities and granted over $38 million to hundreds of AIDS service organizations nationwide.  Founded by Patricia Green and Larry Pond, this incredible organization is taking matters into their own hands through:

• preventive education programs targeted to populations at risk of infection
• treatment and direct-care services for people living with HIV/AIDS
• public policy initiatives which add resources to private sector efforts

Botanist is proud to stand behind DIFFA in their mission to make a difference for thousands of individuals through Karim Rashid’s “Orikami” collection.

“I want to give back to Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS,” says Rashid.  “It is one of the country’s most proactive supporters of direct care for people living with HIV/AIDS.  Merging care and commerce and design, since supporters of DIFFA come from all fields of fine design and the visual arts, including: architecture, fashion design, interior design, photography and product design, I feel I can continue to make a contribution to a cause that also has made the world of design a more public subject.” 

Let it Snow!

Sit and sip your hot cocoa in style this joyous holiday with Botanist end tables, cocktail tables, and benches around your fireplace or out in the crisp white snow

Botanist performs beautifully in any outdoor condition — whether on the beach or in the snow!

Rain or shine, Botanist makes a statement for your outdoor landscaping

Your holiday guests will love a place to rest, inside or out,  while they catch up on the year’s events with family

Where else can you find Christmas gifts that not only look great but give proceeds to ten charitable foundations worldwide?  As the first product venture of its kind, Botanist continues to prove that modern design can be socially responsible, all while maintaining an eco-friendly integrity.  Not only is Botanist perfect for spring and summer, Botanist products are also terrific for winter.  Our end tables, cocktail tables and benches endure rain and snow with colors that will not fade in the bright sunlight.  You can’t ask for more in a piece of furniture.

Botanist end tables, cocktail tables and benches are perfect for outdoor use.  They employ an industrial grade powder coating on the aluminum structure, which naturally resists corrosion.  Our powder coating is tougher than any paint.  Plastic resin particles are applied to each piece, which is then baked in an oven, creating a durable layer on the surface. The colors are UV and weather resistant.  It’s the toughest stuff that we could find, and we think it looks great, too.

Botanist pieces feature the durability, quality, and style that you expect from contract grade furniture.  The optional bench pad is not only soft enough to keep you comfortable, but it is also made to stand up to the weather. We offer them in marine grade vinyl or in a durable Sunbrella Material, all made to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. 

So if you are stumped on what to get that special someone on your list this year, let us help make your holiday simple by choosing Botanist!  This is a special gift that will stay in style all year long.  While the weather outside may be frightful, you can rest assured that Botanist will withstand the elements so you can let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.  Happy Holidays from all of us at Botanist!

A festive red Botanist bench brings out the green in outdoor landscaping settings

Home for the

Holidays

Turn your home into an energy efficient and comfortable destination for you and your holiday guests this winter

Did you know that you can significantly reduce the amount of energy required to make your home comfortable year round by installing highly-efficient heating equipment in your home?  Yes, you can dramatically lower utility bills, reduce maintenance problems and have a quieter home by using efficient equipment.

But now, more than ever, the rising costs of electricity and natural gas are persuading consumers to consider alternatives.  Virtually any type of architecture can integrate free heat directly from the sun.  This alternative energy source is known as passive solar heating.  Your home’s windows, walls and floors can be designed to collect, store and distribute solar energy in the form of heat during the winter.  Passive solar design techniques may have a higher initial cost but are often less expensive when energy and maintenance costs are factored in over the life of your home. 

Your home will provide unrivaled comfort in the cold winter season if you evaluate your home’s site orientation, incorporate efficient windows and properly sized overhangs, and optimize your use of natural light.  To learn more about how to turn your house into an energy-efficient haven, click the link below:

Download Passive Solar Fact Sheet

Gifts That Give

“In a supermarket of choices, how do you begin to solve a design problem?  A more meaningful kind of procedure occurs when the problem is not susceptible to a reliance on previously successful formulas or to an intellectualizing of the content.”
-Milton Glaser

Botanist Designer, Milton Glaser

End Table:  “THE END TABLE TO END ALL END TABLES”

Cocktail Table:  “REST YOUR MOLOTOVS AND MARTINIS HERE”

Bench:  “SIT RIGHT DOWN AND MAKE YOURSELF COMFORTABLE”

What constitutes a truly brilliant designer?  Is it the magnitude of fame and recognition he or she has received over the course of a lifetime?  Perhaps it is the invention of a single design that made millions of dollars in profit.  Or maybe it has nothing to do with popularity or financial gain at all.  The combination of wit, vision and determination exemplify many influential designers, and Milton Glaser is certainly no exception. 

As one of the most iconic graphic designers and illustrators of our time, Milton Glaser has created some of the profession’s most influential and enduring work.  “The most meaningful developments in my work are those that occurred involuntarily and blindly, without my knowing what I was going to do, when I had enough faith in my own creative process to be willing to wait for it to happen without my will demanding it,” says Glaser.  Not only is Glaser’s work immediately recognizable, his thoughtful designs embody a witty approach with a beautifully simple message. 

The “Epigram” collection for Botanist showcases Glaser at his best with three unique phrases relative to each individual piece.  Botanist is honored to be the only manufacturer of Glaser’s furniture graphic designs.  No where else can you purchase a custom designed piece with the touch of this master’s hand.  Today, Glaser continues to exert his influence, energy and creativity to communicate ideas for clients and causes.  Any purchase of Milton Glaser’s “Epigram” series directly benefits The International Rescue Committee. 

When asked why it is important to give back, Glaser replied:  “Why not?”  We ask you the same question:  why not give gifts that give to those in need this year?  Not only are Botanist end tables, cocktail tables, and benches stylish and modern, but they also benefit 10 different worldwide charities.  And that’s unique to this product line alone — no where else can you find furniture that is this beautiful and this environmentally and socially responsible.  So while you make your list and check it twice, consider Botanist as a gift that keeps giving all year long.  Happy Holidays from all of us with Botanist!

Glaser signing an authentic stainless steel badge for his “Epigram” series at the Botanist launch at the Chelsea Museum in New York City

The IRC: From

Harm to Home
The International Rescue Committee is a global leader in emergency relief for those affected by violent conflict and oppression

“Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent.  It takes a touch of genius — and a lot of courage — to move in the opposite direction,”  said Albert Einstein, at whose suggestion the International Rescue Committee was founded.  Since 1933, the IRC has stood strong as a beacon of hope for millions of people across 42 countries who need emergency relief. With 24 regional offices across the United States, this inspirational organization helps refugees resettle and become self-sufficient.

One of the most amazing financial aspects of the IRC is their efficient use of donations.  For every $1 they spend, 90 cents goes to programs and services that directly benefit refugees and war-affected populations. Milton Glaser’s “Epigram” series for Botanist also goes towards helping fellow human beings through the International Rescue Committee.  Be part of one of the most noble causes taking place in the world by joining the IRC in their work today through purchasing any of Glaser’s “Epigram” designs this holiday!

Seating That

Stands a

Chance

Botanist cocktail table designed by Claude Zellwegger provides a great seating solution for holiday guests

Botanist benches make seating simple and modern with stunning finishes

Botanist works well with any color scheme and in any event setting

As we quickly approach another Thanksgiving, fond memories of holidays past relive in our minds and hearts.  With friends and family gathered around a table setting anxious to feast and enjoy time together, an atmosphere of gratitude lingers in the air.  There is no better time of year to voice your appreciation to those who have given you reason to succeed in life. 

The holidays are perfect opportunities to host gatherings.  After drinking a hot cup of cocoa or wassail, your guest will search for a place to chat with others.  Why not give your special guests something special to talk about?  Botanist benches are perfect conversation pieces for these settings and are available in a variety of beautiful colors.  Need a place to rest a mug or cocktail glass?  We have just what you need.  Botanist end tables and cocktail tables are available to coordinate with your bench selection. 

Your holiday can be complete with seating and tables that stand a chance against the expected spill.  With a durable powder coat finish, you will never have to worry about your Botanist pieces giving in to visitors’ use.  The painted aluminum surface can be treated like any other painted metal surface.  Just clean your Botanist bench, end table, or cocktail table with mild soap and water with a gentle rinse to remove residue.  Too bad the rest of your holiday preparation isn’t as simple, right? 

During this time of year, as you express your gratitude to your friends and loved ones, remember that the most sincere appreciation you can show comes through your deeds.  From all of us here at Botanist, we wish you and yours a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday season.  

Salvaged Brick

Does the Trick

Find beauty in reused bricks to save you cost without sacrificing aesthetic value

Are you looking for an affordable green material to incorporate into a project?  Salvaged brick offers a vintage look with a variety of colors and thicknesses available.  These bricks are reclaimed from demolished buildings to be recycled into new construction.  If you love the exposed industrial look then bricks would be a great solution for an accent wall in apartment loft. 

Reclaimed bricks are also great to use for building pathways, stairs, or stepping stones in a garden.  Salvaged brick has benefited from the design industry’s shift toward green building materials.  Brick often holds historical value as well as the beauty of natural clay that has aged over time.  The contrast between a sleek, modern Botanist end table, cocktail table, or bench against a brick backdrop would provide a unique tactile interest. 

If you have a project you have been dreaming of, start collecting available and reclaimed materials for a cost-effective way to create your vision.  Botanist believes in providing you with knowledge about available sustainable products to uphold our mission to leave our earth better than we found it.

Design That

Sets the

World Free

“This design is an expression of the freedom of flight.  The shapes are bimorphic and abstract - birds, but not birds.  They scatter across the curved surfaces like leaves blown by the breeze, random, chaotic, joyful.” 

-Margo Chase

Botanist Designer, Margo Chase
 
“Flight” End Table

Cocktail Table

Bench

 Have you ever asked yourself what it would feel like to fly, without the aid of anything other than your body?  This seems an impossibility, especially with a knowledge of the scientific forces of the universe.  We are grounded by gravity but seek an elevated view.  Recognized graphic designer Margo Chase shares her feelings about this subject in her “Flight” series for Botanist.  In relation to her inspiration, she says:  “I recently learned to fly.  Flying a small plane is a study of contradictions, it is both an expression of freedom and an acknowledgment of man’s lack of freedom.”

This thoughtful illustration of Margo’s experience helps us imagine the daily physical life of a bird.  Margo further states that that, “even the best airplane can only approximate the experience a bird must have.  Knowing instinctively how to fly from soon after birth, to them, the sky must feel like home.”

Having said this, Botanist believes in the ability of every human being to spread forth his or her wings in attempt to attain a greater destiny and purpose, despite the challenges that always face those who seek after their dreams.  Botanist promotes the cause of designers and foundations alike who have risen to a potential to positively influence the world and set it free.  

 
Margo signing an authentic stainless steel badge for her “Flight” series at the Botanist launch at the Chelsea Museum in New York City

Embracing the

Great

Outdoors 

The Sierra Club works to preserve our open spaces, protect wilderness and endangered species, and provide outdoor programs and education

As we witness the beautiful evolution of seasons from summer to fall, our sights turn outward to behold nature’s canvas.  Margo Chase has this to say about her natural color selections for the “Flight” series:  “The colors are earth tones, the color of plains, forests and deserts, the color of the land beneath the sky and the cycle of the seasons.”  To place an end table, cocktail table, or bench from this series in any space is to embrace our earth’s landscape through all times of the year.   

The Sierra Club shares Margo’s appreciation and passion for nature.  As one of America’s oldest, largest, and most influential grassroots environmental organizations, Sierra Club works together with 1.3 million others to protect our communities and our planet.  117 years worth of dedicated service demonstrates responsible stewardship over the earth’s ecosystems and resources.  Not only does Sierra Club maintain a goal for all to explore, enjoy, and protect the planet, they are working to educate and enlist humanity to restore the quality of the natural and human environment.  Botanist is proud to support this worthy cause as we maintain the same vision to sustain our most precious treasures available.

While the Thanksgiving season is quickly approaching, our hearts and minds are filled with gratitude as we acknowledge the beauty of our earth and all creatures living in it.  If you are looking for more ways to show your gratitude in an environmentally conscious way, read on.  The “Flight” series by Margo Chase donates funds to the Sierra Club.  By purchasing an end table, cocktail table or bench in Margo’s series you vicariously support support the Sierra Club in their work to make it possible for everyone to enjoy the freedom of the natural world.

Aluminum:

A Cycle of Good

From Trash … To Glam

An inside look into one of the most powerful products available that is crushing the competition for durability and sustainability

Botanist is made from Recycled Aluminum

Aluminum is everywhere.  We see it in soft drink cans, pie plates, foil, packaging, siding — and Botanist. What many people do not realize is that aluminum is practically the perfect recyclable material.  Out of the most common items that clutter up our landfills– glass, paper, metals, cardboard, plastics — aluminum is the only material that is endlessly recyclable.

According to The Aluminum Association, an estimated 1.56 billion pounds of used cans were recycled during 2008.  Recycling is essential to maximize the ultimate use of any material.  We believe in producing products that do not require the consumption of new materials.

The world is experiencing an epidemic of deforestation due to the over consumption of wood based furniture.  Botanist does not contain wood.

Traditional outdoor wood furniture requires expensive and time consuming maintenance. Botanist requires no refinishing or maintenance.

The aluminum industry remains one of our most significant national and international successes in both positive economic and environmental impact, which is why Botanist is insistent on using it in our products.

 Aluminum is endlessly recyclable and is a sustainable solution for a greener planet

 Devastating effects of deforestation are seen here resulting from the overuse of wood based products

Botanist’s recycled aluminum composition preserves trees and the environment, even while having beautiful color options available

Botanist uses up to 50% recycled aluminum for the production of benches and tables which are 100% recyclable

Branching Out to

Greater Heights

Uniting the power of trees, people and technology, TreePeople is working to grow a sustainable future for the city of Los Angeles

Photo Courtesy of Sojka Photography

As part of our own mission to protect the earth, we stand behind those who actively work towards living a sustainable life.  The folks at TreePeople seek to support, engage, and inspire people to take personal responsibility for the urban environment; to make it safe, healthy, and fun as well as to share ideas as a model for the world.  As TreePeople sink their roots deeper into the heart of those of us who think green, more opportunities are branching out to motivate us to leave our planet better than we found it.

On October 3rd, we were honored to supply Botanist benches to be part of a temporary gallery.  The gallery was created for those being honored at TreePeople’s annual gala, An Evening Under the Harvest Moon.  This year’s recognition dinner and awards program celebrated TreePeople’s 36 years of community service. 

The evening included celebrity bingo and outdoor activities in Coldwater Canyon Park at the newly built Center for Community Forestry.  Over $250,000 was raised for TreePeople’s forestry, environmental education, and sustainability programs in Southern California. 

Botanist donated two ‘FLOW’ benches to TreePeople, paying tribute to their remarkable efforts and success in preserving the environment.

 Botanist Makes the

Cover of High Point Market

Where is the one place known around the world as the vital “hub” of the home furnishings industry? 

The answer is High Point Market, the world’s most comprehensive market for the hottest home furnishings and latest trends.  Every six months, more than 85,000 people come to this industry trade show.  The fall market will begin October 17 and run until the 22nd. Botanist was featured on the cover of the October edition of Home Furnishings Business: E-Market Preview High Point Edition as being a product series worthy of worldwide recognition.  Congratulations, Botanist!

Saving Lives

Through Design

“Cancer has affected far too many people in my life and I’m committed to doing something about it.  The cure is out there, we just need to find the key.”  
- Kahi Lee

Botanist Designer, Kahi Lee

“Unlock the Cure” End Table

Cocktail Table

Bench

Kahi signing her authentic stainless steel badge for her “Unlock the Cure” series at the Botanist launch at the Chelsea Museum in NYC

We may at times ask ourselves as designers if it is possible for design to exist at the center of humanity as a means of connecting to one another and the world as a whole in an intensely personal way.  It is becoming more apparent that the world of design is quickly evolving from an isolated reality into a beautiful new existence of significance and power.  Many designs being produced today seem to exist solely for the purpose of being unique or abstract, without any greater underlying cause or mission.  Yet, there are still designers working to unlock doors into new and unexplored territories at the hearts of the human race, and Botanist is at the forefront of this unstoppable dream.

As the first product venture of its kind, Botanist is about providing solutions to issues that plague our mortal existence — issues like cancer — by donating funds from the purchase of each designer series.  The “Unlock the Cure” series for Botanist designed by Kahi Lee displays keys of various shapes and sizes that have been randomly scattered across the surfaces of the end table, cocktail table, and bench.  It almost appears as though someone scattered a collection of keys in search of the right fit to a lock. 

Cancer is a lock that is in need of a key.  With nearly 1,500 people dying of cancer and 3,500 diagnosed with it each day, the effects of this destructive disease are devastating; however, Kahi strongly believes that the right key is out there and that we should not to lose hope.  “The light-reflective and luminous quality of the metallic finish symbolizes hope and optimism,” says Kahi. 

We share Kahi’s commitment to unlocking the cure by continually providing you with socially responsible furniture options.  This is Botanist’s way of establishing design at the center of humanity by empowering you to find the key to save the lives of countless individuals.

Pretty in Pink 

The month of October is dedicated to increasing awareness and public discourse about issues surrounding breast cancer

There is no better time than now to wear pink ribbons and the color pink to express support to those who are diagnosed with breast cancer.  Did you know that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women aside from skin cancer?  It is predicted that over 190,000 new cases of breast cancer will surface this year.  The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) program is dedicated to increasing awareness of the importance of early detection through a nationwide campaign held in October.  During this designated time, members of the NBCAM join forces to spread the message that early detection of cancer followed by prompt treatment saves lives.

The “Unlock the Cure” series by Kahi Lee donates funds to the Cancer Research Institute.  By purchasing an end table, cocktail table or bench in Kahi’s series you vicariously support the fight against cancer.  Here is what Kahi has to say about giving back:

“I want to give back to the Cancer Research Institute because they are leaders in supporting the development of strategies to treat and prevent cancer.  Giving back is important to me because I think we all have a duty to try to leave this world a little better than the way we found it.”

Color Lovers:

This is for You!

Customize your Botanist blank canvas bench, cocktail table, and end table with a splash of any of our 20 beautiful colors

Go from blank to bold by selecting a solid or shimmering sustainable finish for your favorite Botanist products

A wide variety of saturated bright finishes to subtle sophisticated colors are now at your fingertips

See how exciting this dining space is because of the complimentary orange and blue Botanist colors? 

Color brings enthusiasm and life to anything it touches and becomes a contagious source of energy for those who embrace it.  Is it any wonder that Botanist is catching the color craze and passing it on to you, our color lovers?

Perhaps you love one of the Botanist graphics but don’t love the color that comes with it.  Maybe Joseph Ricchio’s ‘Albero’ series is the perfect design for your space, but you need it in an electric blue instead of the ‘Inspiration Green’ color.  Well, that problem is solved. Botanist is now available in any of the 20 colors on the chart pictured to the left.  Any design, any color, no extra cost.  More power to the consumer!

All Botanist products use a no VOC powder coated paint process verses liquid paint.  VOCs are known to negatively affect the atmosphere as well as human health.  Powder coating is considered a non-toxic material and more environmentally friendly for AQMD in manufacturing.

Our powder coats are incredibly durable.  Your Botanist product will never need refinishing. Because the powder coat is electrostatically attached to the aluminum there is minimal waste. 99% of the finish ends up directly on the product - not on the ground, not in someone’s lungs, and certainly not in a landfill. 

Now that’s responsible coloring!

+ Download Color Chart

Just One Click Away

to a Greener Day

Botanist is recognized by the Los Angeles Neighborhood Guide to Conscious Living as sleekly modern and positively inspiring

The best part of waking up for most green design gurus isn’t so much satisfying a sweet tooth, but rather an industry itch.  We want to know about the latest trends, products, and happenings. So where do we head?  Your Daily Thread, of course.  YDT is as an online hot spot that embraces green living in LA.  The site was created by Tracy Hepler and Lauren Johanson who paired up to share a daily city guide focusing on conscious living issues.  Earlier this year, YDT showcased Botanist in an article titled “Good Design to Get Behind” which highlighted a handful of Botanist’s fabulous green features, including:

- Botanist is made in the U.S.

- Contains 30-50% recycled aluminum

- Totally and endlessly recyclable

- Color finishes are a no-VOC powder coat

- Uses recycled + recyclable packaging

- Contributes LEED points for projects

“Green design doesn’t get more inspired than this: a lovely and lovingly designed bench for your home or business that comes complete with a conscience,” says YDT.  And we couldn’t agree more.

+ Learn How Botanist Is Green

In Search of

Immortality

“The concept is my expression of the beauty of life.  I chose a delicate and elegant branch with dew dripping off of it to represent earth, water and life.”

 - Joseph Ricchio

Joseph Ricchio

‘Albero’ End Table

‘Albero’ Cocktail Table

‘Albero’ Bench

Each Botanist piece includes an authentic stainless steel badge signed by the designer

Have you ever asked yourself what happens to the life of a plant after it dies?  Does it matter or is it simply part of Mother Nature’s rhythm?  What if you could immortalize a plant that had a particular significance to you while it was a living organism?  Perhaps it could solidify a childhood memory of a summer tree house or even a fishing stick.  The truth is that plants are not meant to live forever.  But what if modern furniture design could change that?

The ‘Albero‘ series for Botanist designed by Joseph Ricchio captures the frail, beautiful silhouette of a single tree branch in a graphic portrayal.  Through his design, Ricchio has given this individual form a timeless and enduring setting that will never decay or wither to the demands of nature.  In a sense, immortality has been granted to a composition that the earth would seek to claim by recreating the unique and varied branch extensions and water droplets nature designed.  The translation of this living form is now available through the Botanist series of end tables, cocktail tables and benches, capturing the essence and grace of organic growth through Ricchio’s design.

Over the years, the Ricchio Design studio has completed a multitude of projects in product, furniture and graphic design.  Projects range from strategic product planning for Xerox Corporation to collateral pieces for Team Disney. In 2004, assisted by Professor Michael J. Kammermeyer, Ricchio established the “Cortona Design Retreat” - an annual program to take selected design students interested in a career in furniture design to visit the Milan Furniture Fair and experience the Italian culture.

DIFFA Dining by Design 

Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS raises funds to battle immunological disorder through exquisite table setting events

Every year talented designers from a range of fields including art, fashion, architecture, and interior design come together through DIFFA Dining by Design to showcase innovation and creativity in a dining setting.  DIFFA takes these amazing spaces on tour and hosts a series of dining events to help raise funds in support of HIV/AIDS victims and preventive education.  And if you leave hungry, it’s your own fault.

The ‘Albero’ series by Joe Ricchio donates funds to DIFFA.  By purchasing an ‘Albero’ end table, cocktail table or bench you vicariously support the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS.  “I have been donating to (DIFFA) for many years for a variety of reasons,” says Ricchio.  “First, Larry Pond was the director of Design at Stendig and introduced my first chair.  He began DIFFA and has since died of AIDS.  Second, I have a family member that is HIV positive.  And third, I believe it is simply a good choice.”

DIFFA is one of the country’s largest supporters of direct care for those living with HIV/AIDS.  Since 1984, immense resources of the design communities have been mobilized by DIFFA to provide over $38 million to hundreds of AIDS service organizations nationwide.

Four Awards -

One Year

Who says you can’t do what you love and make the world a better place all at the same time?

Botanist has received much attention from organizations who seek to reward good design, all in just one year!  With a mission to solve macro level world issues through the participation of designers across the globe, it’s no wonder Botanist is making an impression.

Cooper-Hewitt People’s Design Award Nomination

Every year, Cooper-Hewitt gives out design awards chosen by a jury of distinguished design gurus—but do you agree with the experts? The Peoples Choice Award however is bestowed upon its winner by the public directly. Its power to the people! Whether it’s handmade or mass produced, high end or low brow, if it’s an example of good design, Cooper wants to know about it!

+ learn more about Cooper-Hewitt

IDEA (International Design Excellence Award) Nomination
The team behind Orange22’s Botanist project was thrilled to receive the news that the prestigious IDEA Awards nominated Botanist as a finalist for their Eco-Products Category.  The IDEA program is the premier international competition honoring design excellence in products, ecodesign, interaction design, packaging, strategy, research and concepts.  Entries are invited from designers, students and companies worldwide.

+ learn more about IDEA 

Spark Design Award - Silver
The 2008 Spark Design Awards put more than 360 entries under the microscope last month, with the best being selected by a jury of prestigious names in global design.  Spark is about change — designed change.  Change for the better: studied, researched, cognizant, cognizant of criteria like sustainability, suitability, context, inventiveness, process, universality — and yes, beauty.  Botanist is honored to have received such an award.

+ learn more about Spark

Contract Magazine’s Inspiration Award
Contract Magazine believes that the commercial design community plays a leadership role in furthering global efforts for social responsibility.  A $5,000 award was presented to Dario Antonioni (founder of Orange22 and creator of Botanist) to benefit the foundations supported by the winning work.  Antonioni spoke at the event and highlighted the importance of stepping beyond our egos to spread good through design and the passion that make us who we are.

+ learn more about Inspirations