Award-Winning Real Estate Design Firms Announce a Strategic Alliance for International Real Estate Development

    KENNESAW, GA, November 14, 2008 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Critically acclaimed real estate design firms: Marketing Specifics, Inc., Basham & Lucas Design Group, Inc., Marc-Michaels Interior Design International, LLC. and Smith Santiesteban Allen Architects, Inc. today announced they have formed a strategic global alliance for international real estate development, named International Design Partners (IDP).

The assembly of these four companies creates one of the world's first conglomerates that combine a wide range of unique real estate talents, specifically for the international market. International Design Partners brings together an extensive background in architecture, land planning, advertising, marketing and interior design.

By utilizing the services of International Design Partners, clients will benefit from the creative synergy and project cohesion by having these firms in one place. In addition, this multifaceted business model opens the door for cost efficiencies by saving time and ultimately money.

The Alliance was the idea of Marketing Specifics founder and principal, Joan Barnes, MIRM. "What we set out to do was to create the super power of real estate designers, but mandated that the partners, who came on board have extensive international experience. We were successful in this with the four core companies that make up the alliance. The benefits of IDP are tremendous and it makes it easier for international clients to deal with one company," Barnes said.

International Design Partners is poised to work all over the world utilizing communication technologies such as Skype and state-of-the-art video conferencing, which is part of the efficiency model. However, the areas of focus for the company are: the Middle East, specifically Dubai, Qatari and Saudi Arabia, Africa, including Nigeria and South Africa, South America, China and Europe.

With the announcement of the alliance, International Design Partners also launched a new website that features information on the global alliance and the services the organization provides. The website also features a company profile of each partner in addition to client rosters and a contact us page for additional information. To request additional information on International Design Partners or to request a bid, please visit www.internationaldesignpartners.com.

About Marketing Specifics:
Founded in 1986 by principal owner Joan N. Barnes, MIRM, and located in Kennesaw, Georgia, Marketing Specifics is a niche residential development full-service marketing, advertising and interior design agency that handles traditional, non-traditional, interactive and public relations communications. The company also specializes in sales centers, amenity buildings, custom millwork, consulting, sales training and database management.

About Basham & Lucas Design Group:
Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida., Basham & Lucas Design Group is leader in professional land planning, architecture, landscape architecture and sign design. The company specializes is architectural theme development of resports, master-planned communities, urban mix-use town centers, entertainment venues, theme parks and other unique projects.

About Smith Santiesteban Allen Architects:
Smith Santiesteban Allen Architects is an award winning architectural design firm based in Tampa, Florida. The firm was formed in 1985 and has established itself as a recognized leader in luxury high-rise residential design, and has completed over 30 high-rise residential projects, over 100 single-family residential and town home projects, and numerous office, retail, and commercial developments.

About Marc-Michaels Interior Design International:
Recognized worldwide as one of the premier interior design firms, Marc-Michaels Interior Design International specializes in full-service architectural and luxury interiors. The design firm was established in 1985 and provides luxury residential and commercial interior design to clients worldwide and delivers these projects on time, on budget and to the highest standards.

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