Fireplace dealers are often the primary source of information for homeowners who have questions about whether to get a gas or wood fireplace. Of course, every homeowner has different needs and a unique vision for their home. Being prepared with answers to the most commonly asked questions will help you steer customers to the best fit for them.

The design and construction industry is constantly evolving, which is one reason professionals must continue to learn and grow throughout their careers. Design professionals who belong to the AIA must earn a certain number of continuing education credits to maintain their membership credentials. Many states also require continuing education to renew licenses, and for designers who are not yet licensed, some AIA credits may count toward the experience prerequisite.

Photo by Christopher Stark (@christopherstark) 

“Without the Ortal fireplace, something would be missing.”

Many homeowners desire a space with a luxury fireplace as the focal point, especially when designing a new home. However, the limitations of conventional fireplaces can impact your ability to bring the design vision to life. Factors such as clearances and heat barriers can alter the intended design or prevent clients from using the space in the way they envision. For example, with a conventional fireplace, they might not be able to safely hang artwork or a television above it.

Cool Wall Technology opens up new possibilities, allowing you to design with more freedom. It also provides several long-term benefits to clients that go beyond the look and feel of luxury.

Living room design has evolved over the decades from formal sitting rooms to a nexus of family entertainment to casual multipurpose rooms. One common thread throughout this evolution is that living room design is centered around creating spaces for people to gather. The elements in the space, finishes, and style of furniture all influence the look and feel of a living room. Whether the intent of the design is to create a strong first impression, to provide a cozy study space for the kids, to entertain guests, or all of the above, consider incorporating some of these five contemporary living room design ideas into your home.

Of all the different styles that have surfaced over the centuries, Modern is perhaps the single biggest influence on today’s approaches to interior design. From its inception in the early years of the 20^th century, it caused a seismic shift in design theory, discarding old ideas about decorative beauty and replacing them with an emphasis on pure functionality.

When we review interior design styles and how they came about, it is not uncommon to find one style influenced another. For instance, the modern style of the early to mid-20^th century paved the way for the contemporary style, which is sometimes also called “modern contemporary.”

If you’re considering buying a fixer upper or your existing home needs a serious makeover, deciding whether to remodel or rebuild can be an agonizing decision. Which option—renovating or rebuilding—is more cost-effective is also a hotly debated topic among contractors, architects, and real estate pros.

The maze of cubicles and impenetrable executive suites that once defined office spaces are in precipitous decline. Inspired by Silicon Valley giants like Google and Facebook, companies everywhere are embracing offices with open floor plans. In fact, as of 2014, around 70 percent of offices had already made the transition to an open office plan or taken steps in that direction, by lowering or eliminating partitions, for example, according to the International Facility Management Association.

 Ortal is thrilled to have been featured in a recently aired episode of the ever-popular “Property Brothers” franchise. In the episode (Season 7, Episode 14), which aired on October 17 at 9:00pm EST, twin brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott once again worked their magic, transforming a family’s dated log-cabin interior into a polished modern abode.