11 Things to Look Out for During Boston Design Week

Where to go, what to do, and what to expect from the first annual event.

Boston photo via Shutterstock

Boston photo via Shutterstock

The first annual Boston Design Week is almost upon us, and already, organizers are thinking ahead.

“We are planning this as an annual event; we already have our dates for next year,” says Tony Fusco, of Fusco & Four, which organized the event. “We want to continue to grow the festival, and it’s important for us that its not just about Boston design, it’s about design in a broader way. … In the future we want to bring in the best examples of design from all over the country and the world, and showcase them along with Boston designers. As the festival grows, I think we will see more national and international participation.”

Events surrounding Boston Design Week span March 20-30, 2014, when organizations, businesses, and individual designers will offer select design events, exhibitions, speakers, receptions, behind-the-scenes tours, and other activities focusing on some aspect of design. Boston area. The week will feature more than 80 public events and programs, most of which are free.

Organizers aren’t just thinking ahead in terms of logistics—but how to inspire people in terms of design. “There are events for people of all ages, and even events that will appeal to kids, students, and young adults,” says Fusco. “It’s not just about people who already know design, the idea is to mentor the next generation and bring them into the world of design.”

Here are our 11 picks for can’t miss events during Design Week. For more, visit bostondesignweek.com.

1.
Student Design Gallery and Awards Night

From now until May 31, the Design Museum Boston will be featuring Green Patriot Posters, a multi-media exhibition of more than 50 posters designed to encourage people to help build a sustainable economy and raise awareness of global climate change. At this event, you’ll get the chance to view the exhibition and meet the student designers of the posters, three of whom will be awarded prizes for their work.

Thursday, March 20, 6:30 p.m., 315 A St., Boston. RSVP at designmuseumboston.org.

2.
Meet the Asylum Artists

Peep the work of the talented artists at the Artisan’s Asylum, a non-profit community craft studio that offers classes and workspaces to artists and art enthusiasts. Plus: check out live, family-friendly demos, play home-made instruments, and even try your hand at welding, woodworking, jewelry-making, and more.

Friday, March 21, 7 p.m., Artisan’s Asylum, 10 Tyler St., Somerville.

3.
Rock the Village Music & Style Show

What do you get when you bring together music and fashion? The 11th Annual Rock the Village Show at the Brighton Music Hall. The event will showcase the creativity of local designers and retailers with a rocking fashion show, as DJ Prescribed Vinyl and other live bands set the mood with their tunes.

Friday, March 21, 8 p.m., Brighton Music Hall, 158 Brighton Ave., Allston. Tickets: $10 in advance and $12 at the door, allstonvillage.com.

4.
An Insider Look at a Boston Architectural Icon in the Making

Learn how a building transforms from blueprint to cityscape. You’ll learn all about the process during a tour of the Dudley Square Municipal Facility, which is currently under construction but will be home to Boston Public Schools and provide new retail and public space in Roxbury.

Saturday, March 22 10 a.m., 22 Warren St., Boston. RSVP at eventbrite.com.

5.
Downsize Your Space, Maximize Your Lifestyle

If you’re one of the lucky Boston homeowners with more space than you need—or if you live in a tiny apartment—this event is for you. Leslie Fine, of Leslie Fine Interiors, Inc., Bob Ernst, of FBN Construction, and Frann Bilus, of Otis and Ahearn Real Estate, will discuss how to make a smooth transition to an urban lifestyle, and how to make the most of your small space when you get there.

Sunday, March 23, 10:45 a.m., Poggenpohl Kitchen Design Studio: 135 Newbury St., Boston,.RSVP at eventbrite.com.

6.
How Boston Designers Changed the World

Have you ever wondered about the origins of GM’s first electric car, the color of frozen french fries, or the special effects in Wizard of Oz? These are just a few examples of the ingenuity of Boston designers. Come to this lecture to find out more about how our city’s designers had their hands in sustainable transportation, civil rights, communication, science, filmmaking, and the preservation of globally significant cultural treasures.

Monday, March 24, 6 p.m., Massachusetts College of Art and Design, 621 Huntington Ave., Boston.

7.
Inside Fashion

If you’re obsessed with fashion, here’s your chance to take an insider’s look into the the Boston School of Fashion Design. Jay Calderin, founder of Boston Fashion Week and instructor at SFD, will join current students and recent graduates to share their knowledge, techniques, and appreciation of the process of fashion design.

Wednesday, March 26, 2 p.m., The School of Fashion Design, 136 Newbury St., Boston, RSVP at eventbrite.com.

8.
Pennoyer Newman Trunk Show

Break out your green thumb and get a jump start on spring gardening with the Pennoyer Newman trunk show. You’ll be able to view more than 350 styles of American and European style garden containers, plus new pieces cast from the estates of J.P.Morgan, Daniel Guggenheim, and an Argentinean Palace.

Wednesday, March 26, 10 a.m., 1000 Pleasant St. Belmont. RSVP to artefacthome@gmail.com.

9.
Building Brands

This event focuses on answering one tough question: how exactly do you brand a building? Through a series of case studies, the creative team at Neoscape agency will explore how to develop brands for buildings based on property value and vision. Cocktail reception to follow the discussion.

Thursday, March 27, 3 p.m., 23 Drydock Ave., 5th Floor, Boston. RSVP at eventbrite.com.

10.
Jewelry: Crossing Socio-Economic Lines

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but they’re not always so nice to your wallet, so if you’re looking for something a little more affordable, local jewelry designer Nova Samodai creates unique and luxurious jewelry that won’t break your budget. Attend this event to view Nova’s collection of stylish jewelry and to learn about her creative process.

Friday, March 28, 6 p.m., Exclusive Jewels, 121 Charles St., Boston. RSVP to exclusivejewelsboston@gmail.com.

11.
Designing & Decorating with Salvage Presented by Joanne Palmisanos

If you want a fresh new look for your home this spring, why not try something, well, old? Award-winning designer and author Joanne Palmisano is giving a presentation of stunning home design ideas that incorporate salvage, reclaimed, and vintage materials, showcasing unique design elements and vintage treasures from the Greater Boston area. Stick around for a book-signing afterward.

Saturday, March 29, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Restoration Resources, 1946 Washington St., Boston. RSVP to Joanne@joannepalmisano.com.