Over the past several years, we’ve been re-imagining Inform Magazine as a digital publication that celebrates Virginia’s rich culture of design and the diverse individuals who shape it. Inform will live at the intersection of designers and clients, serving as a nexus for idea-exchange and relationship cultivation. We’ll profile projects and designers — as well as the research and products that help them realize their vision.
Want to Contribute?
Do you regularly blog or post to LinkedIn about architecture and design? Are you an authority in your sector or a typology expert? Do you have design research to share?
As we prepare to launch, we’re seeking content contributors. To express interest, contact Rhea George. Feel free to include any relevant writing examples.
Want to Pitch a Story?
All of our content will be Virginia-based. We’ll feature award-winning design, news from academia, industry best practices, product and designer profiles, key takeaways from signature events, and member-generated content — all with a connection to the Commonwealth. We’ll also highlight pathways into the profession and champion the industry in Virginia. If you’ve got a compelling story idea, send it to Rhea George.
Want to advertise?
If you’re interested in reaching an audience of Virginia-based designers and design-minded members of the public, contact Judy Cheadle to learn more about advertising opportunities and launch rates.
The History of Inform
Inform was launched in January 1990 as a vehicle to promote good design, covering everything “the human hand shapes [in] the visual world.” It existed as a physical publication — issued up to 6 times a year — until early 2015 when the board made the critical decision to consider a more sustainable mode of operation. Over the next several years, the board and outreach council worked to evaluate Inform’s purpose, scope, and coverage area and envision its future. Below are a few key milestones:
A task force conducted marketplace research and evaluated member communication preferences. This research, coupled with a thorough budgetary analysis, led to the recommendation that we transition to a digital publication.
In partnership with the non-profit US Modernist, a digital archive of the physical publication was created.
An online firm directory was launched to serve as an important public resource. Firms are searchable by name, ZIP code, and areas of practice.
In August, a refreshed identity was finalized with our partners at 903 Creative and BCS Website Services began development on a new website shortly afterward.
Work is currently underway to populate content, and the publication is expected to launch in the coming months.