What are some tips for staying up-to-date on material selection and sourcing innovations?

As an architect, you know how important it is to keep up with the latest trends and innovations in material selection and sourcing. Whether you want to create more sustainable, resilient, or aesthetic designs, choosing the right materials can make a huge difference in your projects. But how can you stay informed and updated on the ever-changing options and opportunities in the market? Here are some tips to help you out.

1 Follow industry publications and blogs

One of the easiest ways to stay on top of material selection and sourcing innovations is to follow reputable and relevant industry publications and blogs. These sources can provide you with insights, news, reviews, and case studies on various materials and their applications, advantages, and challenges. You can also learn from the experiences and opinions of other architects, designers, and experts who share their best practices and recommendations. Some examples of publications and blogs you can follow are Architectural Record, ArchDaily, Inhabitat, and MaterialDriven.

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John Gallup

Technical Sales Representative at LATICRETE International
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Often times, there is now such a high volume of information to sort through that it can be challenging for the contractor or design professional to locate information relating to a specific project scope or assembly. A consultation with a local product rep can help to zero in on information and technical resources relating to a specific installation. On a personal note, I am currently involved with two projects where the assembly design creates more nuanced challenges than what is typically covered by 'boiler plate' technical resources. Through site visits and a deeper collaboration with our client and technical team, we are able to overcome the challenges created by these unforseen conditions.

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2 Attend webinars and events

Another way to keep up with material selection and sourcing innovations is to attend webinars and events that showcase and discuss them. These online or offline platforms can offer you the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, innovators, and researchers who present their latest findings, projects, and products. You can also network with other professionals, ask questions, and exchange ideas. Some examples of webinars and events you can attend are Material ConneXion, MaterialDistrict, and Greenbuild.

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3 Subscribe to newsletters and podcasts

A third way to keep up with material selection and sourcing innovations is to subscribe to newsletters and podcasts that deliver them to your inbox or device. These media formats can provide you with curated and concise information, updates, and tips on various topics related to material selection and sourcing. You can also listen to or read them at your own pace and convenience. Some examples of newsletters and podcasts you can subscribe to are Material Matters, The Building Materials Podcast, and Material World.

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4 Join online communities and forums

A fourth way to keep up with material selection and sourcing innovations is to join online communities and forums where you can interact with other architects, designers, and enthusiasts who share your interest and passion. These online spaces can allow you to discover new materials, sources, and trends, as well as get feedback, advice, and support from your peers. You can also contribute to the discussions, share your own projects and experiences, and learn from others. Some examples of online communities and forums you can join are Archinect, Architizer, and Reddit's r/architecture.

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5 Experiment with samples and tools

A fifth way to keep up with material selection and sourcing innovations is to experiment with samples and tools that let you test and explore different materials and their properties, performance, and potential. These resources can help you gain a deeper understanding of the materials you use or want to use, as well as inspire you to create new designs and solutions. You can also compare and contrast different options, evaluate their suitability and feasibility, and optimize your choices. Some examples of samples and tools you can experiment with are Material Bank, Material Sample Shop, and Material Wizard.

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Scott Conwell, FAIA, FCSI, LEED AP

Architect | Influencer | Champion of good design and qualified labor. My feed contains inspiration and education on tile, stone, masonry, and terrazzo on behalf of BAC craftworkers and contractors.
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Architects sometimes struggle with experimenting with samples and tools because they may not have those items readily accessible. To remedy this, consider engaging trade associations. Associations like International Masonry Institute, for example, can offer physical resources like laboratory or training space, building materials, and labor to construct test mockups. Associations can also offer the insights of trained and skilled craftworkers, providing valuable perspectives architects seldom have the chance to hear.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Julianne J Peters, NCIDQ, Assoc AIA

Designer@Stantec | NCIDQprep@DSN | Architecture@ASU
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Seek out continuing education like the Healthy Materials Course at The New School at Parsons! This online course was made for architects, designers, and other folks who select finishes. It covers many topics - from how to decode different material labels to green chemistry! And it is financially accessible - my Fall 2023 registration was only $100.

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What are some tips for staying up-to-date on material selection and sourcing innovations?

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1 Follow industry publications and blogs

2 Attend webinars and events

3 Subscribe to newsletters and podcasts

4 Join online communities and forums

5 Experiment with samples and tools

6 Here’s what else to consider

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