In an economy and housing marketplace where good design is more important than ever, attendees at the NAHB International Builders’ Show will find a wealth of expertise on design opportunities that will enable them to rise above the competition.

“Good design can be the difference between making the sale or forfeiting to a competitor who put more effort into their comparable product,” said Design Committee Chair Mike Nage, CGR, CAPS, a remodeler in Chicago.

NAHB Design team experts are stepping up their presence at the upcoming show in Orlando on Jan. 12-15. Attendees can stop by the Design Studio in Room West 306 for supplemental design programming that includes:

• Meet the Experts/Reviews that focus on kitchen and bath design, sustainable land development and planning, interiors and design trends
  
  
• A book signing with architect Sarah Susanka, AIA, author of the  best-selling “Not So Big House” design series
  
  
• A networking reception, with the announcement of the winners of the Best in American Living Home of the Year, Room of the Year, Community of the Year and Regional awards
  
  
• Plan review workshops that provide attendees an opportunity to bring their current floor plans and meet with nationally known architects to have them reviewed
  
  
• The Design Gallery, featuring plans and portfolios for this year’s Best in American Living Award winners and design trends for 2011. 

The schedule of design studio events provides more details.

Popular education sessions on design will include:

Wednesday, Jan. 12

• “Small Is Beautiful”
  3:30-5:00 p.m.
  West 304 G-H
  Presenters:  David F. Parker, of Parker Associates; Deryl Patterson, of BSB Design; and Bill Webb, of William N. Webb & Company, Inc.
  
  "Supersize" has given way to "value" and "small" and has quickly become popular in all aspects of lifestyle  — especially in new housing. Small new home offerings on small lots are selling in all markets. Experts look at the impact and longevity of the downsizing movement, planning and design innovations and how to communicate these trends to value-sensitive consumers.   

Thursday, Jan. 13

• “Reinventing the Kitchen: New Priorities”
  8:00-9:30 a.m.
  West 307
  Presenters: MaryJo Camp, of Design Camp; Mary Jo Peterson, of Mary Jo Peterson, Inc.; and Douglas Van Lerberghe, of Kephart Community, Planning, Architecture
  
  Industry experts explore dynamic concepts, products and materials that add value to kitchens and sell homes. A survey of lifestyles and trends that affect home owners' preferences gives insight into competing in the current housing market.   

Friday, Jan. 14

• “Design Trend Roundtable”
  3:30-5:00 p.m.
  West 304G-H
  Presenters: Darcy Garneau, of EDI Architecture, Inc.; Jack Mclaurin, of Lessard Archit Group, Inc.; and Jillian Pritchard Cooke, of DES-SYN
  
  This seminar brings together architects and interior designers to share their design secrets for achieving the trend-setting looks that buyers want.

For additional information, see the design program listing or contact Jaclyn Toole  at 800 368 5242 x8469.