The Iconic Panels caught my attention in the first year at the design school in 2006. Helsinki's model carved pattern engraved in my memory. The simple, understated and peaceful lines of bare birch branches, carved into wood core panel and finished with white matte laminate layer would compliment the scenery of any Nordic inspired design. In 2009 B+N announced the launch of Iconic Furniture, a collection that fit with the panels. At that time, the wall panels were available in 15 patterns, and 13 color choices, including reclaimed wood options. B+N Industries from Burlingame, CA is a multiline manufacturer and design company, originally founded as a product distributor. The company has developed and broadened inventive systems and various product lines providing high levels of functionality and aesthetics for almost three decades. Having much of the production based in California, B+N complies with the state’s aggressive environmental laws and power consumption policies.Their ability to produce fixtures from sensibly farmed or post consumer raw, VOC and PVC free materials, show the desire to manufacture responsibly. The life cycle of the final product is considered in the initial design phase. The quality is intrinsic to all products and inherent flexibility of modular systems extend the usefulness and client's need for a change in the future.

Farmboy Fine Arts is a dynamic art team from Vancouver that creates a client specific artwork, even whole collections. The eleven years old company develops site-specific art for various environments: healthcare, retail, corporate and hospitality, including globally recognized brands such as Trump, Hyatt, Caesar's Palace, MGM, Starwood and Wynn. A year after Farmboy Fine Arts started, the company suffered a setback due the 9/11. Farmboy project rebounded when it was awarded a six-figure contract with luxury hotel chain W Hotels. Todd Towers, the founding owner and creative director, credits his upbringing on a ranch (the Towers family has owned the ranch in Alberta for 100 years) and his father for his own business drive and success. He has converted a warehouse space into a gallery and worked at random jobs while building his art-making career. Once the business picked up, he strategically relocated to Vancouver to be closer to international markets. Today, Farmboy licenses work by more than 150 photographers, artists and illustrators. The services offered include a complete range of art consulting, strategy, concept development and planning, to procurement, logistics and installation. Farmboy is now broadening its reach and negotiating a deal for a line of home décor products.