I live in the Pacific NW and have been thinking about how design disciplines are mixing more and more. Do you think there would be a need for, or interest in a materials research library/meeting space? I know there is a HUGE population of freelance/emerging designers in my city and I assume a lot of them can not afford the expensive subscriptions to material sample services, much less store the stuff.
I’d like to stock everything from the latest in fabrics, to sustanable building supplies. I’d like to throw in a coffee shop of course… it is the pacific NW! It would be great to host lectures/forums/meetings as well.
Interesting concept. And once all those, semi-neurotic, para-paranoid, ‘competing’ design professionals get over themselves maybe they would actually talk about their projects with each other.
You’re going to have a hefty overhead by the time you provide everything from fabrics to mold texture coupons, fasteners, and a color room (you are talking about more than interiors and architecture, right?)
What pays the rent; coffee and scones? A membership? A per use fee? Or would this be a hobby for some one like, say, Bill Gates.
…supplier reps spend $K a year to get thier clients latest dodads in front of designers, so you could get donations from them, but you’re going to have to deliver them something in return (ie contact info of your customers and increased sales)…your idea has some merit, now get to work and make it happen.