Grand Rapids, MI – Continuing to offer a platform for designers to express themselves in product designs that speak to their region and their own hearts, as well as to market needs, Cumberland announces the Miami Premiere of its Designers Speak South featuring products designed by Yohandel Ruiz of RTKL, Miami.

Members of the press are encouraged to attend to view the products, meet the designer and see first hand how Cumberland is encouraging design leaders across the States to express themselves in product designs that speak to their region and their own hearts, as well as to market needs.
Thursday October 21, 2010, 7:00 – 9:00pm at Cafeina Lounge + Gallery
297 Northwest 23rd Street Miami, FL 33127 RSVP: [email protected]

The Miami Premiere will feature the following Cumberland products designed by Yohandel Ruiz of RTKL, Miami:
* Benches
* Lounge seating
* Occasional tables

Commenting on his designs for Cumberland, Ruiz said “Design in Miami reflects many influences, with strong roots in streamlined Art Deco, edgy MiMo, and innovative and current modern architecture that is unique to our South Florida piece of paradise. The following collection draws on all of these references, but like the very spirit that is Miami, it takes those roots and grows something new.”

About Yohandel Ruiz

An Associate at RTKL, the international architecture firm, Yohandel Ruiz has emerged as a dynamic design voice who draws his inspiration from the city in which he has lived for more than 25 years. A connoisseur of Miami’s sleek and sexy lines, not to mention its eclectic mix of cultures and styles, Yohandel has developed a reputation for his ability to bring harmony to disparate elements and unity to contrasting materials. Experienced in a range of commercial project types—from hotels and resorts to luxury residences and cruise ships—he understands the value of the bold gesture as much as the economy of the perfect detail. Whether designing interior environments for a hotel operator, detailing complex technical elements for fabrication, or creating a custom piece for a private client, Yohandel is a fresh, young talent with the promise of great things.

About Designers Speak
A national, two-year, multiphase program, Designers Speak allows design leaders across the States to express themselves in product designs that speak to their region and their own hearts, as well as to market needs. Through this program, designers from the East Coast to the West Coast are stepping out, taking the lead, and shaping design within the United States. They are making it possible for Cumberland to introduce timeless, classic pieces of furniture – not too trendy, not too modern, and not too traditional – that have the ability to adapt to various interiors.

About Cumberland

Founded in the 1950s, Cumberland was purchased in 1998 by Grand Rapids-based contract furniture industry entrepreneur Scott Gilmore. Even before Gilmore’s leadership, Cumberland was well known for its elegant designs for tables, desks, benches, and office and lobby seating. Today, Cumberland’s products reflect a cohesive design offering while giving its design partners freedom to create products distinct in their own right. The result is Modern American Classics that are always in style, fresh and interesting, whether offered last century or today.

Source: Cumberland