For years interior designers have flocked to cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago to set up shop and practice their craft. But more and more, smaller design communities are making themselves and their resources known to the rest of the country. Over the last decade the Philadelphia design community, in particular, has grown at a rapid rate.
Gregory Augustine, owner and creative director of The Lucas Alexander Collection in the Design Center Philadelphia, has embraced this growth and is actively pursuing ways to educate, inspire, and connect this community of local designers. By hosting a series of events in his showroom with special guests including LuAnn Nigara, Miguel Flores-Vianna and Timothy Corrigan – Augustine is showing the rest of the design world what Philadelphia has to offer.
Augustine’s Philadelphia roots run deep, as a Pennsylvania native and an alumnus of Drexel University. He founded his own firm in 2004, and now, through his showroom, has the unique opportunity to bring fellow designers together in the city of brotherly love.
“Design is about the collaboration and sharing of ideas,” Augustine says. “After hosting our first showroom event I began to notice a collective longing for community among the attendees. We were all seeking a place to meet others with similar interests to share our experiences.”
In the spirit of collaboration, Augustine emphasizes the wealth of makers and artisans in the Philadelphia area. He considers the city a direct channel for designers seeking custom furniture and fabrication, naming BDDW, Amuneal, John Pomp and Wild Chairy as stand-out resources.
The Lucas Alexander Collection’s events include book signings, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. And their location further facilitates the building and shaping of the local design community. Design Center Philadelphia brings together luxury brand showrooms, offering products and resources for trade professionals.
“As designers, we inspire one another and benefit from the support of others throughout all stages of our careers,” Augustine said.
The next event at the Lucas Alexander Collection will be a book signing with Timothy Corrigan for his new book, The New Elegance: Stylish, Comfortable Rooms for Today, on September 13 from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
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