11/02/2025
Thank you everyone for an amazing Be Original Americas event! Knak Group was tasked with organizing an inspiring gathering of design innovators from across North America in support of Be Original Americas, a movement dedicated to championing authentic design and protecting creative integrity. Knak, together with Heller Furniture, MillerKnoll, and KBM Hogue, demonstrated the power of collaboration in bringing this important initiative to life.
Mike Skaar, founder of Knak Group and a long-standing contributor to California’s architecture and design community, underscored the shared values that brought the group together:
“We’ve built our business around supporting a very special community of creatives and promoting original design,” said Skaar. “Be Original Americas is deeply committed to protecting design and preventing knockoffs wherever possible.”
The evening featured a lively panel discussion moderated by Kyle Kusich, illuminating Be Original Americas’ mission and the broader importance of authenticity in the design industry.
The panel (pictured from left to right) included:
- Moderator: Kyle Kusich, Knak Group
- Annie Kantor, Founder & Design Director – Modern Metal Designs
- Brian Graham, Founder & Creative Director, Graham Design
- David Charne Founder & CEO, Fyrn
- John Edelman, CEO & President, Heller + Current President, Be Original Americas
- Laura Guido-Clark Guido Clark, Founder of Love Good Color & Project Color Corps
- Primo Orpilla, Founder & Principal, Studio O +A
For more information about Be Original Americas, and its ongoing efforts to promote design authenticity, please visit https://www.beoriginalamericas.com/
For additional event information, contact [email protected]
