Newly reinstated China IFDA chapter poised for expansion
By Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, July 12, 2004
Princeton Junction, N.J. — A renewed relationship with its Chinese counterparts could present new opportunities and challenges for the International Furnishings and Design Assn.
Since reinstating its China chapter in November 2003, the U.S.-based designer group has recruited 18 paid members from that country. By the end of this year, IFDA officials say that could rise to 100 or more.
That's just a fraction of the current IFDA membership of 1,700. But as the demand for design talent grows in China's booming economy, the chapter could grow much larger.
Amidst the loss of thousands of manufacturing jobs, the U.S. furniture industry touts design as one of its strengths. But as more Chinese learn the profession, manufacturers could hire many of those designers at a lower cost than their American counterparts. Piracy, or the stealing of intellectual property, is also a concern in a field based on creative talent.
Some IFDA members acknowledge such challenges, but also say growing the international base can increase communication between professionals in both countries and potentially stave off unfair competition.
IFDA sees part of its role as helping educate Chinese designers about such issues.
"You can't just take intellectual property," said Lynne Forde Breyer, past president of IFDA's board. "I hope this message will start to sink in, and I think IFDA could be a major player in the changing of that thinking."
Breyer and others point out that piracy is not unique to China. For years, the furniture industry has wrangled over knockoffs and other design infractions.
"It's an issue that's here in our own backyard," Breyer said. "(Members) need to think about this not just in terms of China, but in terms of the industry as a whole."
That's where officials say dialog can be an effective tool. Out of respect for its new Chinese members, IFDA likely won't raise the issue right away. Officials want to take time to establish relationships with their Asian colleagues. That could help both sides better understand each other and erase preconceived notions, they say.
IFDA's China chapter got started in 1992, but then faded in the face of Chinese government regulations and related red tape on non-profit associations. After resolving some of those issues, chapter leader Yu Yong contacted IFDA last spring in hopes of restarting the China chapter. Now, members on both sides appear eager to restart communications.
"I think we need a better understanding of how we can network and help each other," said Shirley Ebert, an advisor to IFDA's Educational Foundation. "There's a misunderstanding of China and its position in the global market today. As we get to know each other, we will have an opportunity to learn more about what they are offering and what we can offer in return."
IFDA foresees a give-and-take relationship, with designers on each side providing designs available for both import and export.
"I think it's important to have your finger on the global economy today," said IFDA President Constance Blair. "Almost every country in the world trades with the United States. As Americans, we have an appreciation for the art and design of many countries and cultures, and there is a reciprocal feeling in many countries with regard to American design."
Said Breyer, "We're hoping they will develop original designs of their own to export and import products that are manufactured in the United States." She believes the success of the China chapter will help IFDA grow its international base further by encouraging other foreign chapters.
