TOM NEWHOUSE: DESIGN NOW AND FOREVER — December 4 - March 7, 2010

Industrial designer Tom Newhouse exhibits furniture, state-of-the-art lighting, and over 50 travel sketches.

Thomas J. Newhouse BSD, IDSA: For more than 30 years, Tom Newhouse has been designing furniture, lighting and other products as the owner/principal of an industrial design consulting firm located in western Michigan. Prior to 1978, he was a member of the corporate design staff of Herman miller, Inc.

Tom works primarily in the areas of home and office furniture, lighting, kitchen cabinetry and major appliance design, with an emphasis on environmentally sustainable design practice. He currently holds over 80 design and utility patents.

Sustainability is at the heart of Tom Newhouse design. He has been a dedicated environmentalist since graduating from the University of Michigan in 1972. In 1978 he designed and personally built his own passive solar, earth sheltered, low energy consumption residence and design studio that won a national design award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Environmental Protection Agency. Tom lectures to professional design societies and universities internationally on the topic of environmentally sustainable design and his "Four Corners" design philosophy.

Four Corners Design Philosophy:
Aesthetics: Products should be aesthetically appealing.
Sustainability: Products should be durable, having the lowest possible environmental impact in their manufacture and use and should include a roadmap for their re-use or recycling.
Ergonomics: Products should be intuitively functional, ergonomic, and safe.
Economy: Products hould be cost-effective/affordable.

Tom Newhouse atop his green-roof house built in 1978.

Pictured with the Limerick High-Density Stacking Chair, for Miller SQA.

MySpot Chair, The Worden Company MySpot creates a fun, friendly space that invites you to sit down and make it your own.	MySpot Chair, The Worden Company More welcoming than a study carrel and more private than a table.

Close up of MySpot Chair

The MySpot series of furniture features sofas, benches, chairs and study carrels for library use.