SBJ PHOTO BY WES HAMILTON
CEO Roundtable: Design
BY: SBJ STAFFsbj@sbj.net
Posted online July 23, 2018 | 2:21 pm
Springfield Business Journal Editorial Director Eric Olson sits down with Joyce Buxton, principal and director of interior design at Buxton Kubik Dodd Design, to discuss design industry trends.
Relevant design
Eric Olson: In one word, how would you characterize architecture and design right now?
Joyce Buxton: Choice.
Olson: What makes you say that?
Buxton: The best illustration is probably Missouri State University. Since the time I’ve lived in Springfield, to see how architecture was functional at that time, and now when you use the word consequential, I think the campus has become consequential in the state.
Defining a cityscape
Olson: Does a city have a character that is representative of its architecture? If so, how would you rate Springfield?
Buxton: I would say there’s not. There are certainly places that do, like Palm Springs or Chicago.
Generational design
Olson: There’s been news lately on development plans targeting the millennial audience, like the Vib and Tru hotels. What does that mean from a design standpoint?
Buxton: I don’t think it’s just hotels, and I don’t think it’s just residences. It happens in businesses, too. It used to be we all had offices, then a combination of offices and workspaces, and now I think that people want choice. I’ve heard it described as working alone together. That’s not just design for millennials; that’s just design.
Future trends
Olson: What trends are happening in other cities that aren’t here yet that we can look for?
Buxton: One unique attribute of where we live is that we have relatively lots of nice weather. I think businesses are becoming more sensitive to encouraging health and wellness to their staff. I see more and more companies evolving to practical things like bike racks or showers or fitness equipment.
Olson: What is your imaginative design? What would you create for Springfield?
Buxton: My dream project right now at this phase in my life has to do with senior living, believe it or not, which no designer would say. I think that as an interior designer, we have an opportunity to impact people’s quality of life and I think that they can do it with style and elegance.
Architectural era
Olson: How do you describe the current architectural era?
Buxton: The trend is to make spaces more multipurpose and flexible. Not to commit so much real estate for a sole function.