Quick Ship programs are experiencing a renaissance. Today’s manufacturers have integrated design capabilities within them that have given customers a level of customization never-before associated with these offerings, making them a triple threat in today’s impossibly fast paced project cycle: fast, affordable and beautiful.
Most we’ve compiled here for the 2024 i+s Quick Ship Guide are hovering just above or below the two-week lead time mark. That includes our cover subject, Designtex’ Digital Studio (DDS), that promises a customized product in minutes at the comfort of your own desk, five days for a sample, two weeks for production and just a 10-yard minimum. This online tool is all tied to their digital printing facility in Portland, ME that is also entrenched in the city’s local artist scene. You can find many independent artist patterns (as well as Designtex’ in-house teams’ of course) available amongst the 75 patterns in the DDS library, including “Fleur de Tachee” by Rachel Gloria Adams, featured on our cover. You can learn more about Adams and her Portland upbringing and studio below.
DDS was born from Designtex’ efforts and study into finding an option that landed somewhere in between their standard line and full custom development process.
“The budget and time constraints interior designers are under was the driving force behind what we wanted to create,” explained Claire Mann, Designtex’ director of digital products and strategy. “We knew people don’t always have the time to create something from the ground up, so how do we create a product or service that allows them to tap into custom design in their own time?”
They developed a prototype that offers up tons of options, while taking out some of the complexities. It was subsequently tested for quite some time (even well through the wrench the pandemic threw at the industry.) It officially launched late 2023.
Users can develop their design in four easy steps, choosing substrate, pattern, color and scale, topping it all off with a 3D visualization tool that lets them see their creation on a variety of furniture, panel and wall applications.
“Being able to do that in real time, at your desktop is a really nice moment and differentiator,” explained Catherine Stowell, director of design, with some practical boundaries baked in so as not to overwhelm the customer and cause choice fatigue. For example, scales are set so that they work in application and won’t have too high of a warp if the pattern doesn’t repeat within the width.
But the platform is ever evolving, and the team hopes to add substrates (like drapery and window film) and even give customers the opportunity to plug in other aspects of their projects in the future, similar to the tool’s color-matching feature with Sherwin Williams paint, available now.
Designtex Principal Designer Karen Gelardi put it best when she said: “We’re just getting started.”
Introducing Rachel Gloria Adams
Adams is a Portland ME-based multidisciplinary artist, who runs Tachee— a design company that offers small batch printed goods and collaborations, which she considers an extension of her studio practice. She has developed a vibrant visual language grounded in bold, graphic patterns and filled with references to the natural world (as is clear with Fleur de Tachee) but her work also exudes an heirloom-like quality. Here's a little insight into who she is as a creative, a Portlander, and most importantly: human being.
How do you typically start your day?
Wrestling my children into somewhat clean clothes and into the car and off to school.
How would you describe your creative practice?
I would call my practice multidisciplinary. I am a painter and designer and that takes form by way of paintings, quilts, design and murals.
Tell us about the design(s) you've created for Designtex.
For a long time, I was drawing both botanicals and geometric forms separately. I have been working on combining the two in ways that are reminiscent of improvisational quilts.
What studio item can you not live without?
My iPad. All of my work starts out on the iPad, whether it be collecting inspiration, drawing, or testing color combinations. It also always gives me “studio time” in any situation, which has been incredibly helpful while trying to juggle life with kids and an artistic practice.
What is your earliest memory of making something?
My mom drove my siblings and I to York Beach in Maine when we were little and brought Plaster of Paris so we could dig shapes and pour the plaster into our sandy molds to create relief sculptures, just like every other family day at the beach!
What do you do when you encounter a creative block?
Unplug from devices and get outside. Whether it be a walk around the neighborhood or into the woods or along the coast, I have found that if I remove myself from my environment I can look at things more objectively.
What are some small pleasures you have been folding into your life?
Ocean dips! I made it to late November last year dipping into that crispy cold Maine water and started back up in late March. My goal is to make it year-round.
Lighting
David Weeks Studio
The Torroja 3-Tiered Pendant by David Weeks Studio features a plated frame with tiers extending from the central hub. The tiers have two 320-degree rotating shades, with tier diameters ranging from 65-82 in. and a 16 in. height minimum. The fixture has various finishes, including shades available in black satin or white satin with a polished nickel frame. The product will be delivered in two to three weeks.
Kitchen & Bath
Duravit
The D-Neo Freestanding Bathtub by Bertrand Lejoly and Duravit fits into any ambience and will do so immediately as a ready-to-ship product. Whether compact or spacious, the tub is designed to transform the bathroom into an oasis, with notable features being its freestanding design in a white finish with two comfortable backrest slopes, seamless panel, and support frame, special waste and overflow system. Dimensions stand at 63 in. L x 29.5 in. W. It is cUPC listed. Other D-Neo collection products are also available with Duravit’s Ready-to-Ship label.
Seating
Keilhauer
Keilhauer’s Foryu ergonomic office chair offers comfort without complications (including delivery with two-week lead times). Users work in custom comfort with a fully integrated self-weighted mechanism that allows the chair to automatically adjust and flex with their unique weight and size. Foryu is available in two quick ship models in black or white and arrive either flat-packed or pre-assembled. Dimensions: 27.5 in. W x 26.75 in. D x 37.25-42.5 in. H.
Hightower
Swivel, rock or wheel on Hightower’s multi-use Gimbal Jr. This piece is a comfortable alternative to a meeting chair or a small-scale lounge chair, with dimensions at 26 in. W, 26.8 in. D, 31.5 in. H, 19 in. SH). A side pivot table is also available. Designed by the in-house Hightower Studio design team and manufactured in the US, it is offered as a quick ship at six weeks or less.
Okamura
Okamura’s high-end ergonomic task chair Finora was imagined by ITALDESIGN. Using the automotive industry’s design philosophy, the chair is highly functional, comfortable, and sophisticated. Finora boasts 4D adjustable arms, optional lumbar support, and a multi-density foam seat. Choose from 14 mesh and upholstery options, two backrest heights, optional headrest, and several body and base finishes. Dimensions: 26 in. W x 21 in. D x 39-44 in. H. Select styles ship in five to seven business days.
Arcadia
Kindred by Arcadia offers lounge and guest chairs with several wood frame finishes. The ash wood frame features radiused edges for a smooth surface and a wall-saver leg design with an optional clean-out between the seat and backrest. Lounge dimensions are 25.75 in. W x 27.5 in. D x 28.5 in. H and guest is 23.75 in. W x 26.5 in. D x 30.5 in. H. Pair with occasional tables to bring warmth and style. Quick-ship items are sent within 15 business days.
Aceray
Valle from Aceray is a whimsical yet practical outdoor/indoor chair offered from their Quick Ship program, typically out the door within 48 hours after the order is processed. Manufactured in Italy and built to last, Valle comes as a side chair, armchair, barstool or counter stool. The grid pattern design is available in five bold and neutral colors.
emuamericas
The Mom collection from emuamericas, inspired by traditional Japanese trays, has a cutout seatback featuring a selection of options that create an inviting dining space. The stackable dining chair, armchair, and barstool are designed to withstand heavy use. Mom is made entirely from tubular steel and features the durable EMU Coat finish. Offered in a variety of bold, vibrant colors, several of which are available via quick ship, with a lead time of four to six weeks.
Flooring
ABC Carpet & Home
ABC Carpet & Home has just launched its Custom Quick Ship Carpet program, allowing customers to design custom, made-to-order carpet and rugs delivered in two to three weeks. Available in a variety of colors (48), designs (16, the following applicable for light commercial: Strut, Scatter, Lodge, Perth Plaid; commercial: Whir, Reflect) and shapes, the program builds exactly to your specifications—whether for a small accent or oversized centerpiece.
Brintons
Brintons QuickWeave offers swift solutions for custom woven axminster carpet. Naturals for QuickWeave uses 100% undyed British Wool, blending different colored sheep fleece to craft eight neutral shades. An eco-friendly choice, it's recyclable, biodegradable, and consumes fewer resources in production compared to synthetic or dyed yarns. Explore all the options with their online design tool at the link below. Weaved to order and delivered within six weeks.
J+J Flooring
J+J Flooring's Function, an 18 in. x 36 in. modular carpet tile, complements the Structure broadloom with expanded color options. Both Function and Structure, constructed with Encore SD Ultima Nylon, prioritize color retention and performance. Five colors are available for quick ship within 10 days. The Nexus Modular backing (Function) and PremierBac Plus backing (Structure) feature pre-consumer recycled content, contribute to LEED certification and are recyclable through J+J Flooring's R4 Carpet Reclamation Program.
EF Contract
Batiste Moderne from EF Contract features an expanded colorway and four quick ship options that ship within 10 days. Inspired by the plain-weave linens of 13th-century French craftsman Jean-Batiste, this line of planks and broadloom features a small crosshatch pattern. Neutral tones are warmer to address the market demands of today. Batiste Moderne’s rich texture is achieved by Encore SD Ultima fiber, designed to maximize appearance retention, color performance and sustainability. Offered in 18 in. x 36 in. plank and broadloom.
Shaw Contract
SelectEDU from Shaw Contract is an easy system offering quick ship product choice by color coordination and price point with fast and reliable service. Providing two price tiers to fit any project budget, carpet products are offered on the StrataWorx or EcoWorx tile systems and resilient options are available through Terrain II. Available up to 2,500 sq. yds. to ship in two weeks or less.
Flexco
Constructed from thermoset vulcanized rubber, Flexco Wallflowers Rubber Wall Base suits high-traffic, high-impact spaces and resists scrapes, scuffs and gouges. Wallflowers is available in eight Xpress colors in a 1/8 in. gauge construction and 4 in. H x 48 in. L pieces with 250 cartons per color in stock daily. Profiles include cove or straight. Additional Xpress products: Base 2000 TP Rubber Base and two profiles of rubber tile and tread. All products in the Flexco Xpress Ship program are in-stock and ready to ship.
Roppe
Roppe’s Rapid Ship program offers premium rubber tile, tread and wall base formulated free of Red List chemicals, PVC, phthalates and halogens. Suitable for high-traffic areas and easy to maintain, the program features the versatile Vantage Circular and Hammered profiles of tile and tread. Rapid Ship products are available in eight (8) of Roppe’s most popular colors in stock daily and ready to ship on demand.
Surfacing
Alaplana Ceramica
Part of the Tile of Spain’s Quick Ship Collection, the Bonn series by Alaplana Ceramica is a contemporary porcelain stoneware inspired by industrial concrete with a grained finish and details highlighted with gloss ink. Bonn is a 39.37 in. W x 39.37 in. L square that is frost-resistant with applications for both floor and wall. Ships in four to six weeks.
Arklam
Arklam’s Onice Black Polished series offers a high-performance marble that makes it ideal for high-traffic areas and cladding applications. Available as a 47.24 in. L x 118.11 in. porcelain stoneware with a polished finish. Onice is a part of Tile of Spain’s Quick Ship Collection with delivery available within four to six weeks.
Fräsch
Fräsch’s STRATAWOOD acoustic panel system with linear wood slats is offered in 15-day quick ship options. Available in four wood-grain options with a True Black PET backing. STRATAWOOD allows for a linear design from ceiling to wall. Easy installation onto existing ceiling or wall and can be cut to fit into a T-Grid like a dropped ceiling tile. It is made of 100% PET, utilizing 55% post-consumer recycled content in addition to MDF and wood veneer options.
Textiles & Fabrics
Carnegie
Xorel Meteor is a woven textile pattern by Carnegie that is available in a variety of colorways and can be applied as wallcoverings, upholstered walls and panels, upholstery and museum display cases. Select colors ship in 15 business days, up to 300 yards. Offers antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, free of PVC and topical finishes, and is Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver. Features X-Protect backing that prevents stains and moisture from passing through the textile.
Furniture
HAT Collective
HAT Collective’s Mid HAT + Worksurface is a versatile workspace with a height-adjustable base and “Folding HAT” frame design for easy assembly and space flexibility. The quiet electric motor ensures smooth adjustments. Available in 24–41 in. or 42–72 in. widths, 27.25–46.75 in. heights, and various finishes. Certified by BIFMA, GreenGuard, and eligible for LEED credits. In-stock colors/sizes ship in three to five days.
Encore
Part of their Quick Ship program of seating and table solutions, Romp Occasional Tables from Encore are available to ship within 10-15 business days. Inset tabletops nestle within a thin-profile metal frame with Romp which can pair with lounge seating, smaller vignettes or stands well on its own. Available in 16 and 18 in. heights and 21, 30 and 36 in. diameters. Choose from wood veneer, laminate and solid surface top surfaces. Wood veneer is offered in all standard and custom finishes on ash or premium finishes. The metal frame is available in charcoal grey, metallic silver and satin black.
