Archives

Enter now: IFAI’s International Achievement Awards

May 13th, 2021

After a year away, the International Achievement Awards (IAA) return for the 75th anniversary of recognizing the best projects across the specialty fabrics industry. The awards are an opportunity for you to showcase your technical skills and talents to the entire industry. The International Achievement Awards is an annual competition that recognizes and promotes awareness […]

Read More

Registration is open for IFAI Expo 2021

May 10th, 2021

Registration is open for IFAI Expo 2021. IFAI Expo celebrates the 100th anniversary of the show this November, and you won't want to miss it! After a long hiatus of in-person events, this year’s show is the perfect place to reconnect with your industry. Register now to get the Early Bird rate! Early Bird rates end […]

Read More

Digital revolution transforms fabric structures

May 1st, 2021

The fabrication advantages of automation include labor and time savings and greater accuracies. Autometrix Inc. cutting and patterning equipment is often used for pattern drafting and nesting to minimize waste and reduce costs. Photo: Autometrix Inc. New software and computer-driven fabrication speed production and improve accuracy. by Bruce N. Wright, FAIA While CNC (computer numerical […]

Read More

Rolling out the sidewalk

May 1st, 2021

The Montana Brewing Co., located on the ground floor in the defunct Montana Power Co. building, was one of the first small-scale brewpubs to appear when such facilities sprung up across the country. As the first brewing company in Billings, Mont., it staked out a claim on the main thoroughfare in the historic district of […]

Read More

U.S. Embassy in London honored for efficient design

May 1st, 2021

Birdair’s ETFE film is optimized to shade interiors at the U.S. Embassy in London from east, west and south sun while admitting daylight and framing large open-view portals to the outside. Its pattern visually fragments the facade while intercepting unwanted solar gain. Photo: U.S. Embassy London. The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), […]

Read More

Scott Sutherland: Ready for anything

May 1st, 2021

In the summer of 2020, Scott Sutherland was elated with record-shattering sales, but he was also in a situation he had never imagined: out of aluminum, out of fabric, out of nearly every component used to make tents. The pandemic roller coaster had sent the event tent industry from a bust to a boom, with […]

Read More

Keeping up the shade market momentum

May 1st, 2021

Incorporating Sattler, Sunbrella and Norbar fabrics, ShadeFLA recently shaded the pool deck at Goodtime Hotel in Miami, Fla., including 17 cabanas, awnings for two bars and coverage for a 1,200-square-foot restaurant. Photo: ShadeFLA. Shade is on everyone’s mind, according to Margueritte Ramos, owner and sales manager of ShadeFLA. The Miami, Fla.-based company designs and installs […]

Read More

Buying and selling in a world with less face time

May 1st, 2021

COVID vaccine options are improving prospects for the economic climate in 2021; however, 2020 had a lasting impact on business practices in the specialty fabrics industry and beyond—particularly in buying and selling—prompting many companies to rethink processes. We have all heard about and discussed the “new normal.” As the months go by, digital interactions have […]

Read More