Webinar: Growing Global: Over a Century of the Formica Brand
Wednesday, April 30th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Description
Founded in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Formica company has evolved alongside global changes, both reflecting and influencing consumer perceptions of homes, workplaces, and entertainment spaces. Since 1913, Formica’s modern ‘insulating’ material has adapted to technological advancements in the automotive, radio, and airplane industries, ultimately focusing on the decorative aspects that shape interiors worldwide. This presentation will provide a visual overview, decade by decade, of how the Formica brand has kept pace with societal changes over the past 12 decades.
This webinar has been approved for 1.00 AIA LU continuing education credits.
Our Presenter
With over four decades in the international design industry, Renee began her career in product design at Kohler Co. She spent the past 36 years at Formica Group, ultimately leading design development teams across five continents.
Renee directed the global efforts for the company’s 100th anniversary in 2013 and acts as the brand historian, collaborating with museums and publications. A recent project was to document all products produced and marketed by Formica Corporation for a major donation to The National Building Museum in Washington DC.
Renee holds a degree in architecture from UW-Milwaukee and a master’s in industrial design from The Ohio State University. A strong advocate for education, she serves on the Dean’s Advisory Boards at both OSU and the University of Minnesota. A member of Color Marketing Group since 1986, she expanded international activities during her Board tenure, earning the President’s Award in 2008. Renee now supports the organization as Secretary. In 2018, Interior Design magazine recognized her for a ‘Lifetime of HiPness.’
