The convergence of quality materials and achievable design dreams defined the second day of #DesignWeekJa2025 on Tuesday, October 7, at ARC Manufacturing Limited’s retail space at the company’s 14 Bell Road location. ARC, along with the National Housing Trust (NHT), brought together key stakeholders to provide an engaging discussion under the theme ‘Building Dream Designs with ARC and NHT’.

“This year’s [Design Week] theme, Creative Resilience, couldn’t be more fitting, as it reminds us that true creativity doesn’t just come from inspiration, but from the ability to adapt, rebuild, and thrive through creativity, even in the face of challenges. This afternoon, we celebrate exactly that: the designers, innovators, and visionaries who contribute to shape Jamaica’s creative landscape,” shared Natalie Lawrence, ARC sales executive and the afternoon’s compere.

Formalities commenced with prayer from ARC Chief Manufacturing Officer Neville Alexander followed by a skit from comedian Owen “Blakka” Ellis. Design WeekJa conceptualiser and Jamaica Observer Senior Associate Editor, Lifestyle & Social Content Novia McDonald-Whyte welcomed those in attendance and shared the company’s seven-year jouney with ARC.

“Seven years ago, when we engaged ARC, we were certainly not inside this beautiful showroom. When we speak about creative resilience in design, obviously, we had to be here, in an environment such as this. Our mandate at the Observer is to lift the nation, a role we take seriously.

“What has always fascinated us about ARC is its ability to transform communities. Most of the team members are hired from the community. They, like us at the Jamaica Observer, are nation-builders… Together we have witnessed creative resilience in design,” she shared.

Dwayne Berbick, assistant general manager of corporate communications and public affairs at the NHT, also spoke to that company’s partnership with ARC.”In the story of Jamaican housing design, I would like to think that there are two critical chapters in that story. One written by ARC Manufacturing, with over 30 years of providing Jamaicans with excellent building materials. And the other by the NHT for the past 50 years. We at the NHT have been the housing financier of choice for many Jamaicans, and we’ve been assisting them in turning these dream designs into reality,” Berbick said. “We celebrate the work of these two entities through this particular conversation on Design Week — two entities that want to remind our customers, our stakeholders, and our partners, that dream designs are indeed more possible because of the NHT and ARC Manufacturing.”

ARC CEO Conroy “Laughing Boss” Rose followed, charming the audience with his humour while championing ARC as the company of choice.

“What do cheap furniture and bad decisions have in common? he asked before responding: “They both fall apart when under pressure!”

“A great design cannot stand on a foundation that doesn’t have quality,” Rose continued, “At ARC Manufacturing Limited, we believe building stronger structures means building a stronger Jamaica. Indeed, our company’s motto, ‘To achieve strong economic prosperity and improved social conditions by being the leading manufacturer and distributor of building materials in Jamaica’, says it best.”

Rose’s passionate speech on ARC’s quality and standards, and ISO 9001 certification was the perfect segue for Chanté Blackwood, CEO of Chantier Construction Limited, who delivered an engaging presentation titled ‘Reimagining Do It Yourself (DIY)’.

“Most people think of DIY as doing small crafts in the backyard on the weekends or just fixing a leaky pipe. But DIY has changed far more than just that. It’s really about taking ownership of your space, becoming the project manager, the person who decides what your home should look and feel like,” Blackwood said.

She explored a variety of ways to reimagine DIY projects, showcasing techniques ranging from using colour to transform a home’s atmosphere to building custom kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and implementing creative, resilient methods that enhance comfort and safety without breaking the bank. In closing, Blackwood encouraged the audience to begin with small, creative steps toward achieving their ultimate design dreams.

“DIY is about reimagining and reclaiming control over your home. With the right mindset, the right toolkits and a little courage, you don’t just live in your home, you shape it. As Design Week unfolds, remember to start small: Paint a wall, build a shelf. Take the first step towards creating a space that truly reflects you,” Blackwood said.

Novlet Green, ARC general manager of corporate affairs & governance, led the final segment, ‘The Art of Craftsmanship’, a conversation with Onari Cowan, CEO of Kingston Woodworks, who shared his entrepreneurial journey and showcased four custom pieces crafted from ARC lumber: A centre table, a multi-functional bench, a sofa side-table and a multi-purpose shelf ladder, all fashioned from cedarwood.

As he walked the audience through his custom pieces, Cowan demonstrated the full-circle connection: That the quality of the finished product is the result of using superior materials, particularly dry, treated lumber. “You want to get proper materials so it lessens the amount of burden you have in constructing your furniture. The reason why it’s good to have dry lumber is that you won’t have much expansion and contraction in your house. All you have to do is wipe off the furniture with a damp fibre cloth and you’ll be okay,” Cowan said.

With Cowan’s pieces well-received, Green closed the proceedings by expressing gratitude to the stakeholders who made the event possible. The appreciation was evident in the atmosphere as customers browsed the space, enjoyed libations from CPJ, fare from Mastered Meals by Whitley, and music from Coppershot. Interested patrons got into the DIY spirit when Cowan led a builders’ workshop, teaching customers how to create their own food crate. It was a fitting, hands-on conclusion to an engaging session. Next up: Design Week’s Arc recap continues on Friday.

ARC Manufacturing Limited Chief Executive Officer Conroy Rose (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Chantier Construction Limited CEO & General Contractor Chanté Blackwood guided guests through the nuances of DIY projects, while assuring them that if they are not so inclined, her company is equipped to get it done. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Jamaica Observer Design Week Ja conceptualiser Novia McDonald-Whyte lauded ARC Manufacturing for its ability to transform communities. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Dwayne Berbick, assistant general manager, corporate communications and public affairs, National Housing Trust, spoke about the statutory body’s partnership with ARC. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Spectrum Insurance Brokers Administrator Simone Scott-Grant’s knowledge of the NHT’s new loan limits earned her a consultation with general constructor Chanté Blackwood. The gift certificate was presented by Dwayne Berbick, assistant general manager, corporate communications and public affairs, National Housing Trust. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

ARC Manufacturing Limited General Manager, Corporate Affairs & Governance Novlet Green gave Kingston Woodworks CEO Onari Cowan a platform to share his journey in woodworking. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)