[spring fling] april 2022

Join us for a product showcase!!

You're invited to our show featuring Kayser Wesner, Momentum Group, USG, and Daltile! May 11 - Please let us know if you'll be attending by registering here: https://springshowcase2022.eventbrite.com

And, if you're a lady and you haven't yet joined the Women Who Work Facebook Group, now is a great time! We're doing a Doodle-A-Day challenge for the month of April. We're designers, right? Or, we've been around design enough to catch some kind of creativity bug. Yet, so often, we're only working on a computer and don't get all the benefits of putting pen to paper.

Sketching daily can:

• Help you concentrate

• Spur creative insight

• Help process emotions

• Alleviate stress

• Improve visual thinking

• Give you some solitude

And if that wasn't enough, you can win a prize! Join us here! facebook.com/groups/womenwhowrk

---

Now, for some design inspiration!

I love to check out Office Snapshots blog and search for Davis products - here's the latest from my sleuthing!

Gotta love Davis' A Chair - So versatile!

Cova lounge chair is my jam!!

The perfect little arrangement of occasional tables with Tosca!

And that solid wood Tix conference table!

[feeling lucky] March 2022

A little inspiration for March! 

March marks the beginning of Spring and the start of daylight savings time! This time next month, our days will be longer and our nights will be brighter. I'm so looking forward to spending more time outdoors and beginning to watch the crocus and daffodils pop up. I would love to see your flower photos!

These sweet designs will make you green with envy!

Davis | Cantina & Sachet

MARTIN BRATTRUD | ALAMITOS

MEMO | IDA

H CONTRACT | BINGHAM

SKYLINE | DIGITAL PRINT GLASS

ENJOY!

If you're ever wanting to look back on the past designspiration newsletters, take a look here: http://www.ampersandnw.com/blog

[hybrid work] February 2022

How is your workplace changing in 2022?

We've talked about returning to work a few different times over the last couple years. It looks like things will never return to "normal" and we, as designers, need to embrace the new normal in educating end users who are facing similar challenges across industry types:

• Acoustic & Visual Privacy

• Wayfinding & Zones

• Personal & Team Work Spaces

• Casual Meeting & Flex Spaces

Just as in any business, the design industry is always evolving. We need to seek out education opportunities to stay sharp and competitive. Our clients are depending on us to have the knowledge to move their business forward through good design. Where do you find the best opportunities for education?

ACOUSTIC & VISUAL PRIVACY

Takeform Oomph | Direct print onto acoustic panels

Skyline Obscura | PVC-free polyester film, applied in horizontal bands

WAYFINDING & WORK ZONES

Takeform Amplify

PERSONAL & TEAM WORK SPACES

Watson Tia Team Table | Adjustable height table with av component storage and monitor mount

Watson Lockers | Personal storage at or near your desk

CASUAL MEETING & FLEX SPACES

Davis Tote | Moveable lounge chairs

Versteel Darby | Adjustable height, mobile personal table

[happy new year] january 2022

What are you looking forward to in 2022?

I hope that you were able to find some joy and relaxation over the holiday season. Welcome back!

This new year will again be one for the books -

• Covid is still affecting our lives.

• Supply chains continue to be disrupted.

• Traveling protocol has (again) changed forever.

Those are certainly bummers, but what positives can we actually look forward to?! And look forward to it with hope, enthusiasm, and joyful anticipation!

My go-to strategy for this is to plan fun trips. But, I'm still holding back on some of that due to the continued unpredictability. So, this year, I'm working on some smaller-scale ideas:

1. Special Occasions - I love to host dinner parties, and it can make any day of the week a special occasion. I want to make sure I'm hosting 2x per month - even if it's just one or two friends at a time!

2. Send Snail Mail - It's always exciting to get mail from people you actually know! The best way to get mail is to send mail! Pick up some fun cards and start reaching out to some folks you have started to lose touch with.

3. Weekends - Actually take weekends. Walk away from the computer and be a tourist in your own city. There are so many free and inexpensive options. Go for a hike, visit a museum, go to a movie, sit in a coffee shop, vintage shopping.

4. Routines - The last few months I started doing yoga with two friends at one of our houses. We do this Monday morning and even though it's exercise - I look forward to it because I get to start my week right and have a quick chat with other women.

5. Travel - If the opportunity arises, I would like to visit: Canada, Hawaii, Mexico, and New Orleans in 2022, but I'm not stressing about those!

Something you can look forward to from me is my new "2-minute-tuesday" emails I'll be sending out. I'm going to try to do every Tuesday and show you something new, or remind you of something great. It will be a video and only take up two minutes of your day. You should see one of those in your email starting tomorrow!

Looking back, this was 2021 for me: Palm Springs, Leavenworth, Steptoe Butte, Mexico, San Diego, Priest Lake, San Diego, Coeur d'Alene, Seattle

And, here is a look back on some great projects in 2021:

VERDIS | FREEFORM | WATSON, DAVIS, SKYLINE, KRUG

EMPIRE EYE | BWA | TAKEFORM

WELLS FARGO FINANCIAL CENTER | DS STUDIO | WATSON

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY | VERSTEEL, WATSON, DAVIS

[you're invited] december 2021

To our holiday hooplah!

Co-hosted by me and Nellie (United Tile)

Wednesday, December 15th

Open House All Day!

United Tile

421 W Riverside #300

Spokane WA 99201

We are celebrating the season and want to share in the festivities with you! Choose the best time that works for your schedule!
BRUNCH | 9AM-11AM

LUNCH | NOON - 2PM

HAPPY HOUR | 3PM - 6PM

Food, drinks, and merriment!

The first 15 to register will receive a fun DIY macrame kit, provided by Lumicor!

All attendees will be entered into a raffle to win a set of DOTS from Davis!

RSVP Here!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holiday-hooplah-tickets-220296160747


Additionally, with the year wrapping up, I want to invite you to a 4-day (virtual) challenge I'm hosting STARTING MONDAY DECEMBER 13 where you can reflect on your year and work on some personal growth with me! Let me know if you're interested here:
https://fb.me/e/63jWcUhQg

---

And, of course, I always want to give you a little spark of design inspiration (hence the name of my newsletter!)
I'm kind of obsessed with Takeform's Oomph product right now!
This is not your grandmother's sound absorbing product. Oomph aesthetic opportunities are endless! And, don't let Oomph's rich texture fool you. The surface is designed for easy cleaning and sanitizing. Vacuum. Spray cleaners. Disinfectants. Oomph has a highly cleanable surface that will look fresh for years.

PUNCH THROUGH PATTERNS

DIRECT PRINT PATTERNS

LAYERED/TOPO IMAGERY

And, there's even an online pattern visualizer where you can try out different standard combinations - give it a try!https://oomph.takeform.net/

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

[hello] november 2021

November is here - and that means holidays!

The year is winding down, and I like to slow down right along with it - Enjoying morning tea and oatmeal whenever the sun decides to appear. I so look forward to this time of year for entertaining and filling my home with all the wonderful people in my life! What are you doing to celebrate?

A lovely Autumn day in Coeur d'Alene

---

You know what else is slowing down? You guessed it! Leadtimes! Here's what you need to know about the supply chain disruption: ARTICLE

---

If you need a sure thing - Take a look at Sossego's in-stock program for products in two weeks!

---

If you want to see any of these in person - stop by Freeform in Spokane tomorrow (WEDNESDAY) for lunch or happy hour.RSVP here: https://forms.gle/eLySPZyVRpkCeSfK6 Or, just show up!

[neocon] october 2021

Neocon is in full swing!

I seriously can't believe it's October! I write these newsletters monthly, and it feels like just last week I sent out the last one!

The good news is it's my birthday month! I'm looking forward to my annual birthday trip coming up at the end of the month - this year is Palm Springs!! If you know me, you know I'm obsessed with self improvement, and part of my self-care is travel. I love the opportunity to get away from my desk, especially to warm weather and fend off that seasonal affective disorder a little longer into the season.

(So looking forward to this view!)

The bad news is I didn't attend Neocon this year. But, that doesn't mean I don't have a TON of great images and new products to share with you!
Scroll for new products from Davis, Martin Brattrud, Memo, and Watson

DAVIS | 5 Brand new products + 4 product line additions!

---

MARTIN BRATTRUD | 4 new seating lines!
Toluca

Monterey

Alamitos

Inyo

---

MEMO

Rolo

Maru

---

WATSON | A collection of tables and tools designed to bring people together intentionally and purposefully.
Haven

[fall colors] september 2021

You'll fall for these amazing new finishes... and some new endeavors!

New season, new me!

If you're on Facebook, you may have seen some fun self-care posts from me... including an upcoming women's retreat I'm hosting - WHAT?! I know - and it's sold out too! Long story short, the shutdown during Covid got me thinking more about how I can stay engaged with other working women while I was working from home... all. by. my. self.

If you're interested in staying in the know on upcoming retreats and/or engaging with others regarding self-care and self-discovery, reply to this email or sign up here!
ampersandnw.com/subscribe

Now for those FALL colors I promised you! Keep scrolling for Davis and Martin Brattrud.

DAVIS | Updated wood veneers and beautiful powder coat colors!!

MARTIN BRATTRUD | Check out MB's resources page to see these amazing - coordinated - metal and wood finishes!
And DO NOT forget the leather program! MB has their own leathers and faux leathers that you can specify on most any product or manufacturer!https://martinbrattrud.com/leathers/color-palette

[you're invited] august 2021

To the Cosentino Spokane Launch Event!

Thursday, September 9th

3pm - 7pm

3808 N. Sullivan Rd, bld 27-C

Spokane Valley WA 99216

We are showing off our newly remodeled showroom and all 9 Silestone colors that are being launched between our Sunlit Days and Ethereal Series will be on display!

Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

RSVP Here!

https://we.cosentino.com/s/eventdetail?id=7013W0000000snj&language=en_US

Yes, this is the same day as the IIDA Cruise the Lake - Just stop by on your way!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inwcc-cruise-the-lake-tickets-161700780387

With August now upon us,

I want to invite you to a 5-day challenge I'm hosting STARTING MONDAY where you can evaluate where you're at and work on some personal growth with me! Let me know if you're interested here:

https://fb.me/e/1xehh7I3T

---

My favorite Kayser Wesner product right now is:

Maker | Adjustable Height!

All the cool industrial look of the Maker series with the flexibility of height adjustment.

This is available in crank, pin, or ELECTRIC! Watch the video here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-8vFGY3xlgFrAl49gRvWh7nouUdTWQt9/view?usp=sharing

Happy Summer!

[midway stretch] july 2021

We made it halfway through the year!

July is a great time to re-evaluate your goals for the year, celebrate your accomplishments, and set your intentions.

How is that money envelope system working for you?

Have you been telling yourself to paint once a week and just keep putting it off?

Did you give up on your exercise routine when it got too hot?

Have you been keeping your house clean like a boss?!

Have you been scheduling time for self care with no guilt?!

Sometimes a little celebration and reflection is all you need to keep moving in the direction you need. I want to invite you to a 5-day challenge I'm hosting where you can evaluate where you're at and work on some personal growth with me! Let me know if you're interested here:

https://fb.me/e/1xehh7I3T

Enjoy the latest from SOSSEGO

[summer social] june 2021

Let's get social this summer!

Welcome to June and the unofficial start to Summer! Memorial Weekend was a blast, as usual. Since the Canadian border is still closed, my group of friends rented an Airbnb at Lake Sacheen instead - close to town, but still a getaway!

And now that's it's Summer, I'll be switching to Summer hours and on the lookout for great patios. I'd love for you to join me - let me know if you'd like an invitation, my treat!

And for all that virtual SOCIALIZING, follow and like me and my businesses here - Watch for upcoming giveaways and raffles!

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/ampersandnw | Ampersand Business Page
https://www.facebook.com/kayserwesnernw | Kayser Wesner Business Page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/900047470730240 | Women Who Work Group Page

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/kayserwesner/ | Kayser Wesner Business Page
https://www.instagram.com/crystalhooker/ | My Personal Page

LINKEDIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-hooker-ncidq-iida-66b76316/ | My Personal Page
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kayser-wesner-seattle | Kayser Wesner Business Page

---

And here's some furniture made for SOCIALIZING!

KRUG | ZOLA PRIVACY - Create conversation spaces

WATSON | C9 - Include collaboration spaces within the workstations

DAVIS | SOFT + KONTOUR - Combine swivel and fixed lounge pieces

MARTIN BRATTRUD | LIDO - Move these pieces wherever you need them

PETER PEPPER | GO TO TABLE - Include collaboration spaces anywhere

SOSSEGO | DUDA - Pull up a seat and relax

[may day] may 2021

Flowerz for dayzzz!

Now that it's May, I've finally gotten out into my garden to tend to my flowers - wanna see?! I'll show you. But also, don't worry that it's "ALREADY" May. You still have so much time to hit all those goals and bucket list items for 2021. Enjoy the journey, stop and smell the flowers!

LILAC

ANENOME

SOLOMON TEARS

TULIPS

LADYBUG ON A CURRANT LEAF

PERIWINKLE

As always, here's some design stuff!

[wf...where?!] april 2021

Life is short.  Work somewhere awesome.

And then it was April. Time has become increasingly more difficult to comprehend. In the past, my time was spent differently everyday. Now, the days seem to be more and more the same. Virtual calls instead of in-person keeps me at my desk more than I'm used to.

I did take a quick getaway to Hayden Lake during the week recently. Just me in an Airbnb with a view. That change of scenery got me motivated and productive again. A good reminder to be intentional not just about WHAT I'm working on, but WHERE I'm working on it too.

What do you do to change up your work days?

Here are some very cool Davis installs from around the country!

---

United Rentals Offices – Charlotte
Q6 MODULAR LOUNGE // GINKGO CONFERENCE

Nationwide Insurance Innovation Center Offices – Columbus
GINKGO LOUNGE

Rockefeller Group Offices – New York City
SOLA CONFERENCE CHAIR

Privia Health Offices – Arlington
NORA CLUB CHAIR // NORA TABLE

[rise] march 2021

Wake with a morning ritual for a better day + an inspirational iida breakfast!

Happy March everyone!

I'm working on some new rituals throughout the day and want to share them with you. I want to be sure I'm hydrated, moving, and celebrating the little things. (And before you say it, no I don't have kids!) Yesterday, I slayed my afternoon break! What do you include in your daily routines and rituals?

Also, IIDA's RISE is just around the corner. Let me know WHY you want to attend Rise and I'll randomly draw 2 ticket winners next week.

---

Now, in your design world, have you ever had a project that included ANY of these?

• Interior room identification signs

• Exterior building signs

• Interior wayfinding

• Exterior campus wayfinding

• Parking garage signs

• Feature branded walls

• Donor recognition plaques and artwork

• Artwork

• Window Film

• Dimensional letters and logos

• Custom vinyl wallcovering

I'm sure you said yes to a bunch of these. Did you know that Takeform can help you with ALL of these?!

Takeform is a design-build solution, including design, planning, and fabrication. But we have other options too. We can take your artwork and print/fabricate it. We can take an inspiration image and create something unique. We can take one sign design and create a whole sign family. We will work with you however you work best. And here's what we can create:

[doodle-a-day] february 2021

A simple challenge to practice creativity.

Who wants to join me in a "Doodle-a-Day" challenge for the month of February? We're designers, right? Or, we've been around design enough to catch some kind of creativity bug. Yet, so often, we're only working on a computer and don't get all the benefits of putting pen to paper.

Sketching daily can:

• Help you concentrate

• Spur creative insight

• Help process emotions

• Alleviate stress

• Improve visual thinking

• Give you some solitude

And if that wasn't enough, you can win a prize! Just let me know if you're interested by responding to this email and I will send you more info. I promise, I won't make you post your doodles publicly!

Here's the latest mini-install for Watson here in Spokane. Let me know if you want to see Tia in person and we'll schedule a time to meet up!

[happy new year] january 2021

What will you achieve this year?

❤️💲🌟🍀🍾🏋️‍♀️

At the new year, I like to do a "life audit" to help me in setting goals for myself. I like to use the Wheel of Life for my template. The Wheel of Life is a simple but powerful tool that helps you visualize all the important areas of your life at once. The wheel helps you to better understand which of your life areas are flourishing and which ones need the most work. If you're interested, I've included the wheel as well as some reflection questions.

Rate your satisfaction in each area on a scale from 1-10 by coloring in the wheel below. Then, answer some questions about each area:

POSITIVES | What is going well?
CHALLENGES | What are you struggling with?
DEVELOPE | What steps can you take to improve?
WHEN | What date will you accomplish this?

And, for your viewing pleasure, here are images from some of my favorite projects over the last year!
FATBEAM | DESIGN SOURCE | WATSON

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE | WAG | SKYLINE + TAKEFORM

KITTITAS VALLEY HEALTHCARE | KDA | TAKEFORM

WHITWORTH ATHLETICS LEADERSHIP CENTER | ALSC | KRUG

[giving tuesday] december 2020

The perfect kick-off to an entire season of giving!

A lot of us have been so fortunate to be able to work from home throughout this pandemic. We all know someone who hasn't had it so easy. Take this Giving Tuesday and all of December to find small and big ways to donate. Here are some of my favorite local non-profits and links for ways to donate:

• YWCA | YWCA Spokane is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

• Transitions | Working to end poverty and homelessness for women and children in Spokane.

• Project Beauty Share | Provides personal hygiene, cosmetics and beauty products to non-profit organizations who serve women and families.

• Books to Prisoners Spokane | Working to provide free reading materials to incarcerated individuals at their request.

Don't forget about the arts!

• Terrain | Building community and economic opportunity for the artists, makers, and culture creators of the Inland Northwest.

• Spokane Civic Theater | Fostering an enduring love for live theatre in the community.

• Spokane Symphony | Orchestral music nurtures the human spirit, enhances the quality of life and is integral to the preservation and development of culture.

And, for a dose of design, here is the latest from Martin Brattrud.

LAS ONDAS | Designed by Martin Brattrud Studio

INYO | Designed by Alyssa Coletti

[give thanks] november 2020

During these crazy times, take time to appreciate the little things.

Just a few from my list:

• More time at home to work on some house projects 🏠🔨

• Holiday Hallmark movies while crocheting 🎄🧶

• Postage stamps with fun designs for sending snail mail 💌📮

• Walks along the river 🚶‍♀️🌊

• My quarantine crew for small dinner parties 🍽️🍾

• Hamilton soundtrack 🎵📀

And, when it comes to interiors - designers are still designing and manufacturers are still manufacturing! Here is the latest from Sossego:

MALU SOFA

ALCA LAPTOP TABLES

ALICE COLLECTION

ZAHA TABLES

CAETANO DESK AND DRAWER

CANECA TABLES

VIDRO TABLES

[take a memo] october 2020

Memorable furniture manufactured right out of Seattle!

Happy October - my birthday month! 

A new season and the final quarter of the year always gives me the urge to both reflect and prepare.  I love to write down all of the fun and success I've had during the year so far.  It's also time to start planning for my birthday trip - and, don't freak out - the holidays!  Although this year doesn't offer a lot of options for travel, I'll still be headed to Missoula to celebrate and enjoy those bright yellow tamaracks!

Take a stab at your own reflection and just feel good about yourself!

• What memories did you make this summer?

• What habits or mindsets are you ready to let go of?

• What are you most proud of this year?

And now, here is the story of Memo!

MEMO

Memo is a new company, but its founders are a group of long-time industry leaders, designers, and entrepreneurs. Their relationships began in 2002 at Seattle-based Brandrud Furniture, where they partnered to transform a small regional furniture company into a highly successful brand known for its focus on design and innovation. In 2008, Brandrud was acquired by Herman Miller and relocated to the Midwest. In 2018, Memo was created. The vision was to harness the chemistry, experience in furniture, and passion for design, to do something memorable that could enrich peoples’ lives. The name Memo, in fact, is shorthand for the word memorable; always reminding us of our vision and inspiring us to remain true to our purpose.

The furniture pieces are subtle and sophisticated.  They offer opportunities for contrasting materials and textures.  They fit into a variety of categories - healthcare, workplace, education, and even home.  Take a look!

CHORD

CHROMA

KINO

PENNA

PROSE

ARRAY

[neo-can't] september 2020

All the amazing products that would have been released at the Mart this year!

Welcome to September.  It's been a really weird summer - and spring for that matter!  I miss seeing your faces and hope that you're doing well and able to stay productive.  I keep trying to hold on to summer any way I can (to the point where I may be a little cranky at anyone who says it's coming to an end! ) I've lived in the area for over 15 years and have only recently discovered Templin's in Post Falls.  I took a day last weekend to swim and paddleboard from this public beach.  It might be my new go-to for water fun and beach sitting.

MEMO

PENNA

Originally created as occasional tables, now we have coordinating Cafe, Meeting, and Bar Tables - Designed by Studio Gorm

Tops are available in wood and linoleum, the offer allows for material combinations in a compelling range of finish schemes. Open interiors within the base accommodate optional power module and provide ample room for concealed hardware and wires.

SKYLINE

OBSCURA (official release date this coming fall)

Very cool collection by Suzanne Tick, available as printed, etched, or even vinyl!  The Obscura collection focuses on creating privacy in incremental dimensions, an elegant design solution that provides minimal and specific coverage and also satisfies building codes that increasingly require glass with markings, particularly in corporate and healthcare environments. 

And - we have some WINNERS!

Brianna Musser - Design Source

Deanna Goguen - Designology

Claire Kincaid-Slate - BWA

They won the sweetest little temporary tattoos from our Facebook giveaway.  Be sure to follow us on FB for all the pretty photos and maybe even another giveaway!https://www.facebook.com/kayserwesnernwhttps://www.facebook.com/ampersandnw  

MARTIN BRATTRUD

ANACAPA

LIDO

TRESTLES POWER

TRESTLES ROUND

WATSON

C9 TROLLEY (OLLIE)

DAVIS

ARIEL

DISC

GINKGO BARSTOOL

GINKGO ROPE

JP LOUNGE

KAYO

LIGHTWORK

SOMOD