DIFFA/Chicago: Dining by Sustainable Design

By Adam Busch, Co-Publisher & Owner, Green Space Today

(L to R): Alan Almasy, Director of Architecture + Design Sales, Herman Miller; Michele Rust, Director of Business Development, Commercial Carpet Consultants; Richard Bliss, Co-Chair, Dining by Design 2008, Associate and Design Director, Solomon Cordwell Buenz & Associates; Steve Kadlec, AIA, Co-Chair, Dining by Design 2008, Owner, Kadlec Architecture +Design; and Jennifer Cusack, Owner, Corporate Concepts at Dining by Design 2008.   Credit: Photo courtesy of Commercial Carpet Consultants

Each year, held in the Merchandise Mart (Chicago), DIFFA/Chicago (one of 15 chapters nationwide of DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) brings people together for Dining by Design (Dining by Design is held in multi-markets throughout the US). Funds raised through Dining by Design are distributed to community-based organizations that provide direct services for people suffering from AIDS and for preventative educational purposes. For a significant philanthropic cause, developers, architects, interior designers, General Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and manufacturers (along with people not associated with the design industries) gather annually to network, enjoy cocktails and upscale cuisine, and experience a visual spectacle-presented thematic tables produced and often sponsored by firms in the design industries. DIFFA’s Dining by Design 2008 raised needed funds through sustainable creations.

Gensler designed the table seen here for Dining by Design 2007. Photo courtesy of Gensler

Carlos Martinez, IIDA, AIA, LEED AP, Principal and Regional Design Director, Gensler Photo courtesy of Gensler

2008 marked my third consecutive year as a guest of Dining by Design and every year, the tables continue to get greener. In 2007, I observed a table designed by Gensler. The table included concave units constructed into the table, providing built-in bowls for diners, thereby eliminating the need for china and (or) plastic plates.  After being used at the event, the table was donated to Gensler by the tables’ sponsor.  In an interview with Carlos Martinez, IIDA, AIA, LEED AP, Principal and Regional Design Director, Gensler, Martinez said “The table was assembled at the DIFFA event and reassembled in Gensler’s office space.  The table now links the workspace to the café and kitchen.”  As a result, awareness of DIFFA’s mission was spread not only to people within the confines of the Merchandise Mart, but to people frequenting Gensler’s new corporate space in Chicago!  

This table was sponsored by OEC Business Interiors, Inc. and was designed by Epstein. Photo courtesy of Epstein

John W. Kolb, IIDA, Associate Vice President, Epstein Photo courtesy of Epstein

At Dining by Design 2008, there were several tables that showcased green design elements.  One such table was designed by pupils from Columbia College Chicago (hosted by CNA).  Columbia College’s table was built by just six college students who created an environmentally sound table in two days using available materials.  Epstein also designed a table (sponsored by OEC Business Interiors, Inc.) that included sustainable components as well.  According to John W. Kolb, IIDA, Associate Vice President, Epstein, “The entire shell of the space was used from last year and we re-applied the structure this year.  Our chairs are from thrift stores and we reupholstered and repainted them this year.”  

This table, designed by Sally Elstad, President, HomeLIFT, Inc. of Sally Elstad Interiors, was sponsored by Premiere Systems. Photo courtesy of Premiere Systems

Sally Elstad, President, HomeLIFT, Inc. of Sally Elstad Interiors Photo courtesy of HomeLIFT, Inc. of Sally Elstad Interiors

Other examples of sustainable expressions include the table formed by Bradley Terrace Outdoor Furnishings and Kettelkamp & Kettelkamp that used furniture (for their display) that was made in America.  “The furniture was made using a powder coating process that is done in a greener way,” said Zannah Bradley, President, Bradley Terrace Outdoor Furnishings.  Regarding Premiere Systems’ table, Priscilla Rose, Sales & Business Development, Premiere Systems (a sponsor), said “To reduce waste and costs, we worked with many suppliers for loaned items so we remained environmentally conscious.”  Sally Elstad, President, HomeLIFT, Inc. of Sally Elstad Interiors was the designer of Premiere Systems’ table.  “I have always been attracted to the simple beauties found in nature.  The most vibrant colors and interesting shapes and textures already exist outdoors, so why not bring these beautiful elements inside?  Natural elements mixed with any style furnishings will create a unique interior.  We created “The Sanctuary” at the 2008 Chicago DIFFA Event to educate consumers that they too can create a beautiful nature-filled, sustainable environment while fulfilling their need for technology, comfort, and style,” said Elstad.  

Reneé Silverstein, LEED AP, Director of Commercial Sales (East), Jane Hamley Wells Photo courtesy of Jane Hamley Wells

Besides sponsors and designers of tables, guests and DIFFA staff commented on the greening of the displays.  Reneé Silverstein, LEED AP, Director of Commercial Sales (East), Jane Hamley Wells, a guest/spectator of the event, said “I look forward to attending this event every year because it’s so important to support DIFFA and because the table designs are so unique.  I continue to be impressed and inspired by the talent of Chicago designers.  Not only are the tables beautiful, but so many demonstrate creative ways to incorporate sustainable materials and solutions into everyday living.  Peggy Bellar, Director of Special Events, DIFFA, said “The biggest trend and transition of this event has been the increase of green tables in the past two years.  Everyone is talking about green.”  John Williams of Rubicon Studios reiterated “It is an exciting time to see this amazing sustainable shift in our culture.”  With a local design community passionate about both fighting AIDS and protecting the environment, guests that appreciate sustainability and a staff who understands the significance of the green movement, DIFFA Chicago is sure to uphold sustainability as an ongoing tradition for years to come. 

Peggy Bellar, Director of Special Events, DIFFA Photo courtesy of DIFFA