2014 Design is Human Week

Atlanta has been growing over the years as the design hub of the Southeast. With new designers and architectural firms finding a home here, Modern Atlanta is highlighting them and up-and-coming local and international designers in their eighth annual Design is Human week. With product launches, architecture tours, and discussions with established panelists, the weeklong series is an opportunity for Atlanta to cement its place in the global design community.

“The southern design community for so long has existed within a bubble and an organization like MA is so important because it pushes us closer to inclusion in the international design community,” says Chris Hardy, one of the emerging Atlanta-based designers participating in the event. Hardy will be promoting his Helix furniture collection from Design Within Reach. “I think all southern designers have a stake in the success of Modern Atlanta.”

With so many events and launches, here are a few events you don’t want to miss.

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The MA Architecture Tour goes to Savannah this year to highlight SCAD Museum of Art and its contemporary architecture. $6.95. 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sat.-Sun., May 31-June 1. See the upcoming trends in modern residential design while touring 10 modern homes across the city of Atlanta. Starting at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, the tour is self-guided via Google Maps. It will be a chance for the aesthetically inclined to explore how current designers use green energy, space, and storage in their contemporary homes. $35. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun., June 7-8.

The MA Design Expo offers a first look at emerging designers, product launches, and brands from local talent including designer Chris Hardy, luxury leather company JAY GRAY, design studio Wake Up Dear, and many others.

Susan Szenasy, chief director of NY-based architecture magazine Metropolis, will be this year’s keynote speaker. In addition to established international designers and over 50 participants, architects and homeowners that participated in the MA Architecture tour will be on-hand to talk shop. $10. 6:30-11 p.m. Fri., June 6. 351 Peachtree Hills Ave.

With a focus on reducing clutter, Danish companies AIAIAI and Kilo team up for the AIAIAI/Kilo Design PopUp collaboration at Sound Table. They will be leading a series of product launches including Sound Table/MA limited-edition headphones. The three-day event will be packed with music from DJs, listening parties, and panel discussions from the companies’ partners.
5:30-10:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., June 5-7. Sound Table, 485 Edgewood Ave.

Journeys & Paths, a panel moderated by Hank Richardson, Director of Design at Portfolio Center, will discuss the challenges faced today by young designers. Panelists Krystal Persaud, a New York-based product designer, and Atlanta-based Chris Hardy will provide professional insight. Free. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sat., June 7. 125 Bennett St.

Modern Atlanta 2014: Design is Human Week. Prices vary. Registration required to attend some events. May 31-June 8. ma-designishuman.com.