Databases and Directories

Design Training

http://www.design-training.com/




Focused upon North America, the Design School site is premised on the idea that "gaining recognition as a professional designer is a ticket to opportunity, and the right design school is therefore key." With this in mind, the site aims to help users "fulfill your dreams at any one of many design training centres across the United States and Canada... whether your goal is a career in design, or is one of self-improvement for your own pleasure." The site is pleasingly designed and easy to get around, with design schools listed by degree type, location and category (including, among others, interior design and architecture). Other resources include news, articles, and a worthwhile 'Best Architecture Websites' section showcasing sites - including Sapling.info - that excel in terms of their usability, content and popularity. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 6 Jul 2010].



ENTRY NUMBER: int-060710-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Interior Design » Resources
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Designguide.com

http://www.designguide.com/



Newly launched in 2004, Designguide "is dedicated to providing the design and construction industry with the most comprehensive and efficient directory for professionals, products and online resources". Users can browse the site's content by category ('professionals', 'products' or 'links') or use the convenient search tool. When it launched, the site described its interface as "a sophisticated online environment built on imagery, speed and simplicity", and it certainly is unusual to see construction-related content presented within an architectural aesthetic. It all looks very professional indeed, with a recent redesign tweaking the category headings to better articulate the site's undoubted value as a resource. [GAS, 15 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-070604-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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DutchArchitects.com

http://www.dutcharchitects.com/




Based in the Netherlands but written completely in English, DutchArchitects.com is a rich and exciting site. Its core content is a unique, searchable architecture database featuring hundreds of buildings, interior-, landscape- and urban planning projects, covering more than 2,900 Dutch design offices, and supported by more than 11,000 good quality pictures (the site's emphasis seems to be on the work of Dutch architects, anywhere in the world, rather than necessarily on buildings in the Netherlands). The site also has useful features such as project reviews, links to other architecture sites, and job opportunities. With excellent content, and a simple easy-to-use interface, DutchArchitects.com is well worth a visit. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 6 Nov 2005].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-131002-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Netherlands
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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ESI.info

http://www.esi.info/




ESI.info describes itself as "a leading online marketplace of products, services and suppliers working in architecture, construction and environmental engineering." The website is free to use and aims to provide designers, specifiers and buyers with an easy way to research, select and specify products and services across built environment projects. A colour-coded menu on the clean and attractive homepage provides access to sections covering External Works, Building Design, Building Services, Interior Design and Environmental Engineering; once inside, users can access over 11,000 illustrated product profiles, featuring specification information and company details. The function to compare and save lists of product selections for use in live or future projects is especially useful. It's easy for a site based around specification information to be dull and stodgy, but ESI.info's lively and well-illustrated pages ensure that the site is lovely to look at as well as an invaluable resource. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 5 Dec 2011].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-051211-04
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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The Furniture Directory

http://www.thefurnituredirectory.co.uk/



As its name suggests, the Furniture Directory provides a directory of UK furniture suppliers. A simple A-Z menu provides access to a wide range of furniture categories, with listings quite clearly displayed. [GAS, 8 Nov 2005].



ENTRY NUMBER: int-220805-03
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Interior Design » Resources
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Hire-Contractors.com

http://www.hire-contractors.com/



Hire-Contractors.com is a US-based directory of home improvement and restoration contractors, including cleaning services, carpet cleaning, architects, landscape architects, interior designers and builders. The site is attractively designed and easy to use, with users able to browse the directory by category or search it by Zip code. A series of home improvement-related articles add to the site's value as a resource. [GAS, 4 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-040906-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Construction » Resources
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IDH - Interior Design Handbook

http://www.interiordesignhandbook.com/




Dedicated to interior design, the IDH website describes itself as "the complete online source for the industry". It is certainly impressive in scope - users can search the site's database to find in-depth profiles on over 1,870 architects and designers, or access 8,200 manufacturers and suppliers. Other features include an exhibition listing and a useful links page, all set within the site's neat and engaging interface. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 12 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: int-120906-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Interior Design » Resources
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Lighting Directory

http://www.lightingdirectory.com/




As its name implies, Lighting Directory is a comprehensive resource listing manufacturers and suppliers of lighting fixtures and related products. The site is attractively designed, well laid-out and easy to use - visitors can browse the directory by category, or search by keyword or company name; each entry then includes a company profile, contact information and web link. Elsewhere, new lighting product releases, an up-to-date news section, and current job vacancies add to the site's value as a resource. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 13 Dec 2005].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-240304-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Construction » Resources
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Other Information Resources >> Databases and Directories

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