Archive for american standard brands
JADO Stoic Collection: Elegant Bathroom Faucets that are Built to Last
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If you are looking to add a sophisticated touch to your bathroom, the Professor strongly recommends the JADO Stoic collection of luxury bathroom faucets. Inspired by the elegant look of modern jewelry styles, the collection is available in four distinctive handle options and three signature hand-buffed finishes. The Professor finds that the wide variety of styles allow the faucets to fit any number of different stylistic settings, easily complementing more minimal bathrooms or gracefully contrasting with more transitional ones.
Underneath the beautiful finishes and delicate-looking shapes lie solid brass construction for durability and ceramic disc valve cartridges, which ensure a lifetime of drip-free performance as well as noticeably smooth handle control. Stoic sink faucets are also WaterSense-certified and feature the exclusive JADO Luxury Speed Connect Drain, an innovation that radically simplifies drain installation, something that even certified experts like the Professor can appreciate.
Learn more about the new faucet collection, or view the complete JADO Stoic Collection.
Smart and Beautiful: Commercial Restroom Innovations
Posted by: | CommentsSmart commercial restroom innovations are, in the Professor’s experience, few and far between. The status quo is so readily accepted that many manufacturers of plumbing fixtures have little incentive to invest in attractive designs and technological innovations. That’s why the Professor is so impressed by the latest commercial offerings from American Standard. From smart, water-saving technology to sleek, unexpected shapes, here are a few of the commercial toilets, sinks, and urinals that are transforming modern restrooms.
- If you’ll pardon the pun, the Professor’s hands-down favorite innovation is American Standard’s hands-free dual flush toilet valve. The way it works is that the Selectronic dual flush toilet valve releases a light flush of 1.1 gallons when motion is detected for less than 60 seconds. A standard 1.6 gpf volume is used when motion is detected for 60 seconds or longer.
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The Lucia Lavatory Sink from American Standard
The Lucia wall-hung lavatory sink is a great solution
for commercial spaces in need of extra storage areas for soaps, toiletries, and accessories but have little space to spare in the restroom. The sink has a graceful, upscale appearance and offers a surprising amount of usable storage surface for such a small fixture.
- The strikingly modern Decorum high-efficiency urinalwould not be out of place in spaces like an art museum or a luxury resort. Decorum only uses 0.5 gallons of water per flush (gpf) and also features the EverClean permanent finish that inhibits the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew on the surface – making it ideal for commercial, institutional and other high-use, public installations.
- The surprisingly smart Ceratronic proximity faucet that allows users to control water temperature in addition to the on/off function, all without touching the faucet. Ideal for hospitals and other settings where spreading germs is a concern, the faucet’s detection range and time variables can be customized with the touch of a button from an optional remote control.
What’s most exciting to the Professor about all these creative, problem-solving products is the knowledge that even more transformative innovations are still to come. Here’s to a future of cleaner, smarter, more beautiful restrooms for us all.
Note: This post is part of the 2011 Bathroom Blogfest, now in its sixth year. The Professor is thrilled to participate in the blogfest for a third year this year. For more information about the blogfest, visit Bathroom Blogfest. Look for the tag “#BathroomEXP” on flickr, del.icio.us, Technorati, Twitter and Google, or ‘Like’ on Facebook. A list of participants is below.
| Name | Blog Name | Blog URL |
|---|---|---|
| Susan Abbott | Customer Experience Crossroads | http://www.customercrossroads.com/customercrossroads/ |
| Paul Anater | Kitchen and Residential Design | http://www.kitchenandresidentialdesign.com |
| Shannon Bilby | From the Floors Up | http://fromthefloorsup.com/ |
| Toby Bloomberg | Diva Marketing | http://bloombergmarketing.blogs.com/bloomberg_marketing/ |
| Laurence Borel | Blog Till You Drop | http://www.laurenceborel.com/ |
| Bill Buyok | Avente Tile Talk | http://tiletalk.blogspot.com |
| Jeanne Byington | The Importance of Earnest Service | http://blog.jmbyington.com/ |
| Becky Carroll | Customers Rock! | http://customersrock.net |
| Katie Clark | Practical Katie | http://practicalkatie.blogspot.com/ |
| Nora DePalma | O’Reilly DePalma: The Blog | http://www.oreilly-depalma.com/blog/ |
| Paul Friederichsen | The BrandBiz Blog | http://brandbizblog.com/ |
| Tish Grier | The Constant Observer | http://spap-oop.blogspot.com/ |
| Elizabeth Hise | Flooring The Consumer | http://flooringtheconsumer.blogspot.com |
| Emily Hooper | Floor Covering News Blog | http://www.fcnews.net/category/blog/ |
| Diane Kazan | Urban Design Renovation | http//blog.urbandesignrenovation.com |
| Joseph Michelli | Dr. Joseph Michelli’s Blog | http://www.josephmichelli.com/blog |
| Veronika Miller | Modenus Blog | http://www.modenus.com/blog |
| Arpi Nalbandian | Tile Magazine Editors’ Blog | http://www.tilemagonline.com/Articles/Blog_Nalbandian |
| David Polinchock | Polinchock’s Ponderings | http://blog.polinchock.com/ |
| Professor Toilet | American Standard’s Professor Toilet |
http://www.professortoilet.com |
| David Reich | my 2 cents | http://reichcomm.typepad.com |
| Victoria Redshaw & Shelley Pond | Scarlet Opus Trends Blog | http://www.trendsblog.co.uk |
| Sandy Renshaw | Purple Wren | http://www.PurpleWren.com |
| Bethany Richmond | Carpet and Rug Institute Blog | http://www.carpet-and-rug-institute-blog.com/ |
| Bruce D. Sanders | RIMtailing | http://www.rimtailing.blogspot.com |
| Paige Smith | Neuse Tile Service blog | http://neusetile.wordpress.com |
| Stephanie Weaver | Experienceology | http://experienceology.blogspot.com/ |
| Christine B. Whittemore | Content Talks Business Blog |
http://simplemarketingnow.com/content-talks-business-blog/ |
| Christine B. Whittemore | Smoke Rise & Kinnelon Blog |
http://smokerise-nj.blogspot.com/ |
| Christine B. Whittemore | Simple Marketing Blog | http://www.simplemarketingblog.com/ |
| Ted Whittemore | Working Computers | http://www.kinneloncomputers.com/ |
| Chris Woelfel | Artcraft Granite, Marble & Tile Co. |
http://www.artcraftgmt.com |
| Patty Woodland | Broken Teepee | http://www.brokenteepee.com |
| Denise Lee Yohn | brand as business bites | http://deniseleeyohn.com/best-bites |
Aging in Place with Grace Thanks to CAPS
Posted by: | CommentsMore and more Americans are choosing to spend their ‘golden years’ living independently in their own homes – a goal that is increasingly possible thanks to the growing number of products and remodeling professionals that are working to make homes more comfortable and accessible to aging adults. This field of interior design is growing so rapidly, in fact, that “CAPS,” or “Certified Aging in Place Specialist” has been created to train professionals in this relatively new design field. The Professor recently sat down with Kalpesh Nanji, Director of Business Development at American Standard Brands and recent CAPS designee, to learn more about the program.
Congratulations on earning your CAPS designation, Kal. Can you begin by telling us a bit more about what this means?
CAPS stands for Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist. The designation program includes three required courses, community service projects, and a commitment to continuing education. The program offers an overview of the skills required to help make homes more accessible for persons with disabilities, persons with progressive conditions, persons whose abilities have changed due to a fall, a stroke, or illness, and also persons who understand that their needs may change in the future and need safe and accessible solutions in their home.
Who created the CAPS program and why?
The program was organized by The Remodelers™ Council of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in collaboration with the NAHB Research Center, NAHB Seniors Housing Council and the AARP. These organizations agreed that the skills that professionals attain by completing the program would be essential to meet the needs of the 77 million Baby Boomers who will reach retirement age in the first years of the 21st Century. Homeowners can be confident that a remodeler with a CAPS designation has been fully trained to help them remain in their homes safely, independently, and comfortably throughout their maturing years, regardless of their income or physical ability level.
What sort of modifications can you make to a home for someone who wishes to “age in place”?
The bathroom is one room in the home where modifications are particularly important. Bathing can become more dangerous and uncomfortable because of the slippery surfaces involved. Many older adults also find it harder to climb in and out of a bathtub without assistance. This is where products like the Seated Safety Shower and Walk-In Baths can be a tremendous help in allowing older adults to continue their bathing regimens without assistance. Throughout the home, modifications like wider doorways and lever handle door knobs are other important considerations.
Why did you decide to go for your CAPS designation?
Professionals and customers have witnessed years of environments and products which do not work for a wide range of users and needs. They are increasingly looking for products which can meet a variety of needs, and are discouraged when they encounter products which fail to do so, as well as manufacturers who are not educated in these issues. I knew this program would offer me the skills and design knowledge I would need to serve the “aging in place” segment of the residential remodeling industry, which is one of the fastest growing markets in the country. I also strongly support the idea of helping maturing adults to age in dignity and comfort in their own homes, so I am glad to be able to offer educated assistance for our customers and consumers in creating safe and accessible project solutions
Thanks for your time, Kal, and best of luck in your future work in this field.
High Efficiency Toilet Donation Solves a Unique Plumbing Challenge
Posted by: | CommentsThe Professor always enjoys seeing a big company do positive community work, so it was very pleasing to hear that American Standard recently donated six new toilets to a Plano, Texas-based charity called My Possibilities that offers a year-long educational program for adults with disabilities like autism, Down Syndrome, Aspergers, and Prader-Willi who have “aged out” of the public school system. My Possibilities offers programs designed to help them build independence and pre-vocational skills in a safe and nurturing environment – a meaningful and necessary service for any community.
The staff at My Possibilities knew they were in serious need of a plumbing upgrade and were hoping to replace their existing toilets with high-performance toilets that used only 1.28 gallons of water per flush to help reduce water use at the school. American Standard was happy to assist them and promptly donated six Cadet 3 FloWise High-Efficiency toilets (HETs). The donated toilets featured an EverClean finish to help keep the toilets cleaner, and were also “Right Height” toilets, so their taller height made them more comfortable and easy to use. Right Height fixtures are ADA-compliant, another reason why that size was chosen for this particular donation.
The Professor was lucky enough to speak with some of the staff at My Possibilities about this toilet donation. Finance Manager Robin LeoGrande explained that toilet performance was a special concern of theirs, as the number of foreign objects that make their way into the center’s toilets is often considerable. In a conversation a few weeks after the donation, Board Member Charmaine Solomon said the new toilets were “a hit and an absolute godsend solution to a frequent problem that we have been experiencing.” She also confirmed that since the installation they had experienced no blockages or overflowing, both of which had been a regular occurrence with their old toilets.
Plumbing problems can become a serious and unfortunate distraction, as the Professor well knows. It is good to hear that the staff at My Possibilities can now remain focused on their excellent programs instead of constantly running for a plunger.
Will it Flush? Find Out with the Toilet Challenge App
Posted by: | CommentsThe Professor is a conscientious toilet expert, and likes to be able to evaluate a toilet’s flushing power as thoroughly as possible. With the Toilet Challenge, a free app now available from American Standard for iPhones, iPods, and iPads, it’s even possible to have some fun with the process.
This app allows users to select a toilet and match it up against any number of adversaries – from bananas to golf balls to chicken nuggets – and flush away. Clearly this “flushability” testing feature of the Toilet Challenge can offer hours of fun on its own (well, the Professor thinks so, anyhow) but the app offers a lot more than just fun and games.
Each of the “challenges” is based on the results of actual product tests, so the app offers a unique way to “try before you buy.” Users can also view product specs and locate local retailers through the app, making toilet shopping an unexpectedly easy and enjoyable experience.
A Pull-Out Bathroom Faucet for a ‘New Age Mama’
Posted by: | CommentsOne thing that the Professor loves to see in a product, whether it’s a toilet or a faucet or a computer, is a convenient, multi-purpose feature that makes life easier for a wide variety of people in a wide variety of ways. And if that product also helps to protect the environment in some way, all the better.
Recently the Professor found a kindred spirit in Laura DeLuca, the writer behind the blog New Age Mama. Laura reviewed the WaterSense-certified OutReach bathroom faucet for her blog and clearly shares the Professor’s appreciation for the faucet’s innovative design. She was also kind enough to take a moment to answer a few questions about her blog and how the OutReach fits into her life as a ‘new age mama.’
1. Why did you start your blog, and what is your favorite thing about blogging?
I started my blog while I was on bed rest during my last pregnancy and needed something to do. I love all the interesting people I’ve met and all the amazing products that I’ve been one of the first to try out.
2. How do you decide what to write about on your site?
I only review products that I know my family will actually be able to use on a regular basis so that I can give it a fair and honest review.
3. Did anything surprise you about the OutReach faucet?
I was surprised at how quickly my husband was able to install it.
4. How does the OutReach faucet help make your life as a mother easier?
I can now give my baby a bath in the bathroom sink and rinse her off with no problems. It’s much easier than having to bend down in the bathtub or having to carry all the bath stuff down to the kitchen.
5. Anything else you’d like to share?
Working with American Standard was a pleasure. Everyone was very kind and courteous and stayed on top of things.
This post is the second in a series of the Professor’s interviews with bloggers who have reviewed the OutReach bathroom faucet. The Professor previously interviewed Deborah Sloan of Baba’s Farm Life.
Bathroom Faucets Down on the Farm
Posted by: | CommentsA little known fact about Professor Toilet is a secret passion for all things plumbing, especially smart faucets like the innovative OutReach bathroom faucet that has a convenient 24-inch pull-out hose. How great is this faucet? Just ask blogger Deborah Sloan, who recently reviewed the OutReach for her blog Baba’s Farm Life, which features product reviews, contests, and reflections on her life in a newly-restored, 18th century stone farm house.
The Professor was pleased to have a chance to chat with Deborah about faucets and her farm life in general.
1. Why did you start your blog, and what is your favorite thing about blogging?
I got started blogging when my daughter told me it would give me something to do. Of course this was before we bought our stone house that we are remodeling. I guess she thought I didn’t have anything to occupy my time before then. My favorite thing about blogging and the blogging community is all the fabulous people I meet! Some in person and most just with notes back and forth online, but truly wonderful people.
2. How do you decide what to write about on your site?
My daughter suggested to write what I know about so it began with our country family life, but then when we bought the Stone House and it needed so much work that was added to the mix along with product reviews, and it’s grown so much.
3. What is your favorite use for the pull-out sprayer that you’ve discovered so far?
Oh my goodness, I love the OutReach faucet for quick clean ups! Hubby comes in the door and the faucet is right there to his left so he can wash his dirty hands and rinse the sink out fast before he has time to bring any mess through the rest of the house. It can get pretty dirty living on a farm.
4. Did anything surprise you about the OutReach faucet?
I was really surprised by how easy it was to install. Really the SpeedConnect feature was easy to do even if you aren’t that familiar with plumbing.
5. How does the OutReach faucet help make your life as a farmer, mother and grandmother easier?
The OutReach Faucet truly is a life saver on the farm. Not only for cleaning up, but watering all the houseplants and seedlings we start, keeping the toddlers clean when they come to visit, and shampooing my hair is also a biggie!
6. Anything else you’d like to share?
First I want to say thank you so very much for allowing me to review such a fabulous faucet! It’s made such a difference in our lives and I know everyone is going to love the OutReach Lavatory Faucet! There is just nothing else like it out there. I truly believe every house should have this faucet!
A Sustainable New Habitat
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The Professor would like to congratulate The Home Depot Foundation and the great team of American Standard Brands employees for all the great work they did at the 2010 Community Building Invitational, held yesterday in San Antonio, TX.
Fifteen of these new homes, which are being built for Habitat For Humanity, will also feature sustainable bathrooms that include WaterSense-certified faucets, toilets, and showerheads donated by American Standard Brands. A job well done all around.
