Design enlivens every inanimate thing human hands have made. It is the soul of objects and structures. Through design, we express concern for one another — for our sense of aesthetics, for our need for convenience, for our physical health — in form and materials.

Whether you’re standing in the shadow of Alexander Calder’s “La Grande Vitesse” or seated comfortably in your Steelcase Leap® office chair, whether you’re imagining the impact proposed high-rise developments will have on the city’s skyline or appreciating one of the many examples of our well-preserved Romanesque architecture downtown — if you’re in Grand Rapids, design affects you.

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Design section showcases the diversity of design ideas, products and expertise that abound in this community. Grand Rapids Magazine is an experience in design; an educational resource that equips our readers to ride on the cutting edge of design movements in architecture, landscaping, furnishings, materials, decorating, colors, artwork and more.

The roots of this section stretch back to 1837 when William “Deacon” Haldane began hand building cabinets in a little shop at the corner of Pearl Street and Ottawa Avenue; to 1857 and the founding of Widdicomb Furniture; to 1862 and Berkey & Gay Furniture; 1880, Sligh Furniture; 1890, Royal Furniture; 1901, Kindel Furniture. There’s a reason we’re called “Furniture City.”

The Design section taps into our city’s illustrious history while highlighting unique approaches to design, novel ideas on living space, fresh colors and angles, and innovative furniture offerings. Design is the central component that distinguishes the Grand Rapids Magazine from its contemporaries and cements the city’s identity in the hearts and minds of readers, residents and visitors.