2024 was a year of inspiration, new connections, and unforgettable experiences here at Kolbe Gallery by Finestra Designs. From insightful lunch & learns with top architects to prestigious trade shows and networking events, we’ve embraced every opportunity to connect with the design community, share knowledge, and showcase our latest innovations. Here’s a look back at our favorite events of 2024.
Lunch & Learns
Our lunch & learns are a cornerstone of Kolbe Gallery by Finestra Designs’ commitment to fostering meaningful connections within the design community. This year, our Vancouver and Seattle teams had the privilege of collaborating with leading architects and designers, allowing us to share insights on innovative window and door solutions, understand emerging trends, and engage in lively discussions about the future of architectural design. Here are some highlights from our sessions:
Olson Kundig Lunch & Learn (Seattle) – January 2024
Our first event of the year with Olson Kundig set a high standard, as their visionary approach to architecture aligns with Kolbe’s ethos of high-quality craftsmanship and functional design.
BCJ Lunch & Learn (Seattle) – March 2024
In March, we connected with the team from Bohlin Cywinski Jackson (BCJ) in Seattle, discussing innovative applications of luxury windows and doors in their distinctive, expressive designs.
Hodgson Design Studio, Leckie Studio, D’Arcy Jones Architects, John Henshaw Architects Inc., Iredale Architecture Lunch & Learn (Vancouver) – Spring & Summer 2024
Throughout spring & summer, we were invited to Hodgson Design Studio, Leckie Studio, D’Arcy Jones Architects and John Henshaw Architects Inc. and Iredale Architecture for presentations, these sessions fostered creative dialogues about integrating design elements in different applications, aesthetics and architecture styles.
AIA Seattle PARTI - Seattle, January 2024
Members of our Kolbe Gallery by Finestra Designs team proudly participated in this year’s AIA Seattle Parti, an esteemed event celebrating excellence in design. The program highlights exceptional leadership, creativity, and collaboration within the architectural community, recognizing individuals and firms who drive innovation and inspire progress. Honorees are nominated by their peers and chosen by the Fellows & Honors Committee, underscoring the importance of collective impact in shaping meaningful spaces. The event also celebrated newly-licensed architects, reinforcing a commitment to nurturing future talent in design.
AIA Honolulu Golf Event - Hawaii, February 2024
In February, we traded in our blueprints for golf clubs at the AIA Honolulu golf event in Hawaii, an exciting day of networking in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Members of our Kolbe Gallery by Finestra Designs team were thrilled to pursue three of their favorite things in one place at this event: golf, building design, and the beach!
International Builders’ Show - Las Vegas, February 2024
One of the year’s most anticipated events, the International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas, brought together professionals from every corner of the building industry.
Service & Installation Training for Kolbe Products - Wausau, October 2024
Hosted at our million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Wisconsin, this hands-on training provided invaluable insights into servicing and installing Kolbe's diverse product lines, including the Heritage Series, Ultra Series, VistaLuxe WD, and Forgent Series. Participants gained expert tips and tricks, as well as specialized guidance on becoming certified installers for the Kolbe VistaLuxe AL line. The immersive experience reinforced Kolbe’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and empowered attendees to deliver exceptional service and installations.
Integrity Selling, Training hosted by Kolbe - Seattle, November 2024
We partnered with Integrity Selling to host a comprehensive sales training program that focuses on the three critical components of sales success: skillset, mindset, and process. Attendees honed their selling skills with a customer-centric approach, learning to build trust and guide buying decisions effectively. The training also focused on fostering positive attitudes and emotional resilience to enhance achievement and self-belief. Through a value-driven sales process, participants explored methods to align solutions with customer needs, ensuring lasting satisfaction and loyalty. This dynamic training underscored Kolbe’s dedication to empowering our teams to excel through meaningful connections and solution-driven strategies.
As we look ahead to 2025, our Kolbe Gallery by Finestra Designs team is looking forward to continuing our traditions of lunch & learns, and attending events and training to celebrate our passion for building and design and remain a resource for industry professionals on the most up to date information.
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