CINCINNATI -- Whether you're looking for a local contractor, searching for the latest home trends or hoping to meet like-minded people with a passion for design, then you won't want to miss the return of DesignBuildCincy.
This curated event will highlight the work of local architects, contractors, artisans and fabricators, giving those who love and appreciate design a weekend to anticipate.
Taking place Oct. 29-30, DesignBuildCincy will once again be housed in Music Hall. After two successful events in 2014 and 2015, the event's founder, Doug Hart, is excited to bring this design-centric show back to Over-the-Rhine for the third time.
The name Doug Hart might sound familiar. That's because Hart is well-known for the production of one of Cincinnati's biggest events, The Home & Garden Show. Hart is recognized within the event-planning industry as not only a business development leader but also an innovator and branding professional. So when he had the idea to produce a show that is centered around local designers, his experience and connections made it possible.
Hart said he always felt there was a need for an event that focused on design in the Tri-State.
"There needed to be an event that showcases the people who make this city and its spaces beautiful. As design crosses all borders and has become more popular over the last decade, the idea of producing a show that focuses on all aspects of design became a reality," Hart said.
The design-centered show will feature over 100 different exhibitions ranging from small local design firms to interior and industrial designers and contractors.
Suited for all ages, those who attend DesignBuildCincy will also have the chance to partake in several other events the same weekend in Over-the-Rhine.
New this year, design enthusiasts will be afforded the opportunity to visit neighboring Memorial Hall for a variety of talks led by industry professionals. The series of design-focused presentations, dubbed the Cincinnati Design Experience, will include recognizable speakers such as HGTV's Chip Wade as well as world-renowned kitchen designer Doug Durbin.
Attendees can also take advantage of the free Doors Open OTR self-guided architectural tour. Presented by the Architectural Foundation of Cincinnati, the tour will give a behind-the-scenes peek at over 25 establishments and venues throughout the vibrant streets of OTR. Hart said, "What we're really doing is creating a design weekend here in Cincinnati, as well as giving those who love and appreciate design a place to gather."
Additionally, those who partake in the event will find pop-up activities throughout the weekend and might wish to relax in one of three fully furnished "social hubs" within Music Hall.
Each distinctly-themed "hub" will include furnishings provided by local designers, showcasing the works of the great designers we have right here in the city.
"Having a show like this really helps our community leverage the design resources we have," Hart added. "Many of the artists and designers participating in the show went through DAAP (University of Cincinnati's School of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning) or have local design businesses."
A variety of businesses will participate in this year's design-focused event. Here are nine of them:
The process of a kitchen remodel by Arya Design Partners. (Photo provided by aryaluxap.com)
This East Side Cincinnati-based design company offers a broad range of innovative architectural products for both interiors and exteriors. The company's portfolio comprises everything from countertops and fire pits to furniture design and custom tile work.
Each product created by the team at Arya Design Partners is made specifically for the client and tailored to suit distinct residential, commercial, hospitality and retail environments.
A custom piece of furniture created by CVG Made. (Photo provided by CVG Made)
2. CVG Made
CVG Made is a small design and fabrication shop located in Covington, Kentucky. Most pieces created there are custom-designed by founder Steven Sander, whose distinct style mixes his love for early-American furniture techniques with more modern and experimental design aesthetics.
As a multi-talented business owner, Sander also offers a host of other services through his business, including repairing and finishing hardwood floors, creating storefront and interior signage and other custom wood pieces.
Urban Blooms is proud to call Cincinnati City Hall home to their unique Living Wall Installation. Designed and created by Urban Blooms, it was made with over seven different species of living plants. (Photo provided by JMiles Wolf | Urbanblooms.org)
3. Urban Blooms
Urban Blooms is a Cincinnati-based social enterprise creating beautiful, sustainable and environmentally conscious communities. The nonprofit accomplishes its mission through projects that uplift communities aesthetically while empowering members of those communities with education on sustainability.
The team at Urban Blooms also specializes in the design, installation, and maintenance of Living Wall gardens that add new life to both exterior and interior walls. These lush green works of art can be found all over the city. They can be found adorning the walls of local restaurants and shops, at events such as TedX and even in the mayor's office.
This photo captures the unique design style of a kitchen renovated in Loveland by ESM Architects. (Photo provided by ESMArchitects.com)
Known for outstanding custom architectural design, the small team at ESM Architects provides renovations, custom interior and exterior projects along with an array of other services.
The Mason-based company also works with clients on custom home designs.
One of Foundry no. 201's most recent material palettes for a master bathroom remodel, complete with the original blueprints of the home. (Photo provided by Foundry no. 201)
Co-founders Allison Gottlieb and Brittany Holden believe good design transcends project type. By combining fundamental design principles with extensive design experience, Foundry no. 201 tackles projects ranging from event invitations to design installations. Focusing on the three Cs of design --creativity, collaboration and connection -- Gottlieb and Holden provide a discerning process to their clients allowing for positive experiences and functional solutions.
A kitchen design completed by Auer Kitchens (Photo provided by Auer Kitchens)
With over 40 years experience, and more than 2,000 projects later, Auer Kitchens knows what it takes to transform a kitchen into the favorite room of the house. Founded by Ronald Auer Sr. in 1968, this local company now leads a team of more than 20 employees and offers customers the opportunity to view the type of work it performs with a showroom located off of Ronald Reagan Highway.
Brush Factory worked with City Studios Architecture to select fixtures and finishes for the three-story office space that houses People's Liberty. Brush Factory built over 45 pieces total for office and gallery space. (Photo provided by Ryan Kurz | Brush Factory)
Rosie Kovacs and Hayes Shanesy turned their passion for design into the Brush Factory in 2009.
Brush Factory adheres to traditional joinery and solid wood construction in building modern furniture and case goods. This Cincinnati-based workshop has created custom furniture for some of the trendiest restaurants, boutiques and office spaces sprinkled throughout Over-the-Rhine and other parts of the city.
Kovacs and Shanesy believe that their honest design sensibilities and passion for well-made products have the power to inspire and connect people with their surroundings.
This is a kitchen in an Indian Hill ranch-style home remodeled by The English Contractor. (Photo provided by The English Contractor)
Craftsman Richard Applin has quite the resume. Having worked throughout Europe on restoration projects in chateaus and castles, Applin has the experience and eye for fine woodworking, classic carpentry and joinery.
Applin's award-winning local contracting and remodeling company offers assistance with all phases of projects to help bring renovation dreams to fruition.
Such + Such was founded in 2010 by fellow DAAP Industrial Design graduates Alex Aeschbury and Zach Darmanian-Harris. (Photo provided by Such + Such)
9. Such + Such
This Over-the-Rhine-based company was founded in 2010 by two DAAP Industrial Design graduates. Alex Aeschbury and Zach Darmanain-Harris have worked with clients nationwide and are known for their expertise in building custom furniture, their interior design skills and sign designs.
Reflecting on the participating businesses, Hart noted, "This city truly does have an eye for style and a wealth of resources!"
